Anna Dale Lyon Silliman OBITUARY
Ann Silliman ed away peacefully Sunday night in her home in La Playa, a house built by her paternal grandparents, William and Lenore Lyon.
Ann was born in San Diego to Jim and Gwen Lyon. She grew up in Point Loma with her younger sister Dotsy (Dorothy Baber) and attended Point Loma High School (Class of ’54). She graduated from Stanford University where she met Ray Silliman. They were married in 1958. Ann enjoyed a brief career as a school teacher in Watsonville, CA, where Ray grew up. They soon moved to Point Loma, where Ann and Ray settled down and raised a family. Ann then focused on being the best mother one could possibly ask for. Ann raised her three girls (Lynn, Lauri and Terri), along with numerous animals over the years. While raising her girls, Ann loved to be involved with the girls athletic and school endeavors. She also participated in multiple community projects while a member of the Junior League, Thursday Club, the Point Loma Association, and ARCS Foundation. Ann treasured the many years at the Zoological Society istering the popular Speakers’ Programs. She also served on the San Diego County Grand Jury.
Ann was a person who modeled tolerance and kindness towards all living beings. She had an easy laugh and a ready smile. Her home was a beacon to all of her family and friends as a place to visit, relax and feel welcome. Ann loved to read, to garden and explore. When given the option, she always chose the road less traveled, the scenic route and stopped for the trails. Discovering the small towns and local history of out of the way places was a particular favorite. Lake Tahoe, where she would go annually with a group of friends to hike, chat and laugh, held a special place in her heart. Her collection of birds’ nests, random stones and seashells are a testament to her love of nature. Family connections were important to Ann, so every year the family would pile in the car and travel to Watsonville to spend time with Ray’s family and then to Sunnyvale to visit Dotsy’s family. Ann’s daughters are grateful for their mom’s commitment to the annual road trips, which created lasting relationships with their cousins (John, Janet, and Rob Martinelli; Kathy and Kenny Baber).
Ann was predeceased by her husband Ray Silliman (Dec 19, 1997). Ann is survived by her sister Dotsy and brother in law Al Baber; three daughters: Lynn(Steve), Lauri(Randy) and Terri(Tina). Her beloved grandchildren: Jessica(Luke), Marcus, Casey, Sarah(Alex), Hanna, Amy(Jacob), Trent, Allison(Chris), and Brian. Plus seven great-grandchildren.
A reception will be held in her honor at the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd, Wednesday, June 11 from 10:00 to noon. In Ann’s honor and memory, help a person in need.
