Ann said, "Being encouraged to do something I'd never done before was so strengthening and so important to me. Everybody with cancer should know that this is one of the possibilities." Adding, "It's just the business of hope."

Click here to watch the video interview.

In our interview, she also reflected on her life's adventures and how grateful she was for her loving husband and family, saying:  "85 years... almost every day there was something special."  

Remembering Ann Durr Lyon:

Trailblazing educator, political activist and beloved HACC Professor, Ann Durr Lyon of Camp Hill, PA passed away at her home on Thursday surrounded by family on February 7th.

Ann was born in Birmingham, AL the eldest of four daughters of famed civil rights activists Clifford and Virginia (Foster) Durr of Montgomery, AL.

Over three decades as Professor of Sociology at HACC, Ann taught a variety of popular courses. She especially enjoyed teaching about racial inequality and the history of civil rights. She founded, developed and led the Human Service Program at HACC and attained Emeritus status. She also Co-Founded the Temple University Graduate Program in Social Work in Harrisburg.

Ann founded the Harrisburg Civil Rights Oral History Project. She served as an East Pennsboro Township Commissioner, on the West Shore Council of Governments and the Cumberland Co. Board of Assistance. Ann represented local voters as a Democratic Committeewoman, was active in the league of Women's Voters and the National Council of Jewish Women and helped begin the Head Start program in Perry County

Ann is survived by her husband, Walter A. Lyon, of Mechanicsburg; daughter, Nan Lyon of Columbia, MD,, three sons, Cliff and Paul Lyon, wife Mel of Salt Lake City, James Lyon and wife Diane and six grandchildren; Brittany, Jane, Otto, Greth, Lilly and Sophie

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday March 2nd at the Bethany Village East Side Community Center (entrance 1E).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to:
The Ann Durr Lyon Human Service Student Scholarship Fund
℅ The HACC Foundation
1 HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110