Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais
Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday November 12, 2025.
Born on September 9, 1938, she was raised in Fairhaven, the daughter of Martin Sorvik Andersen and Agnes Nellie (Hansen) Andersen. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman J. Lyonnais. They were married for 64 years.
Noreen was a graduate of Fairhaven High School. In 1959, she married Norman, whom she met on a blind date. They moved to Somerville where she began her career at the New England Telephone Company and enjoyed a little side job teaching at Arthur Murrays' School of Dance. Dance was always part of the Lyonnais family . After four years, they returned to New Bedford to raise their family.
Noreen eventually returned to work at the New Bedford Housing Authority. She retired after 25 years of service. In her retirement, she volunteered at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, but she was happiest when surrounded by her family celebrating birthdays and holidays, cooking and baking her "secret recipes." She attended all of the grandchildren's football, lacrosse, basketball and baseball games, as well as all school events that her girls and the grandchildren were involved in. She treasured her time spent with life long friends, while sharing martinis, desserts, and laughter. Her love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever.
Noreen is survived by three daughters, Cheryl Pereira and husband John of New Bedford, Donna Downey and husband Paul of Mattapoisett, and Kristen Dailey and husband Christopher of Lakeville. She was the proud grandmother of Justin Downey, his wife Sarah, and their daughter Clara, Connor Downey, his wife Anne and their sons Hayes and Landon, Owen Downey and his wife Emily, Mikala "KK" Downey, Jack Dailey, Garret Dailey and Carter Dailey. She also leaves her brothers, Robert "Bob" Andersen and Martin "Butch" Andersen; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Donald Andersen and her sister Anita Ryle.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 20th at 10 am at St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett . A private family burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In these difficult times, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Damien's Food Pantry, 242 Marion Rd., Wareham, MA. 02571 or online @ (damiensfoodpantry.org) or any food pantry of your choice. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
