Hedy O. Lyles

Hedy Lyles (née Oleksiak) passed away peacefully June 21st at the age of 78. She was predeceased by her husband Wesley D. Lyles, her parents, Henry Oleksiak and Stephanie Pienkos Oleksiak, as well as her cherished sister Christine Oleksiak.

Hedy is lovingly remembered by her sister, Eleanor O. Ruddy; her nieces, Audrey B. Ruddy and Linda R. Weinrich (John); her nephew, Kenneth D. Ruddy (Jen); as well as her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Hedy graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and spent several years in Boston before relocating to Colorado, where she met her husband, Wes Lyles. They married in 1973 and eventually settled in Bozeman, Montana, where Hedy lived for most of her life. She had a wide array of interests and hobbies, including knitting/crochet, sewing, petit point, and cultivating plants, but her lifelong passion was her love of dogs—especially Samoyeds. For many years, she was rarely without one or two of her beloved "Sammies" by her side. Hedy worked in accounting for the local school system and later at Montana State University, where she remained until her retirement.

After moving back East to be closer to family, Hedy became deeply engaged in the fiber arts community. A talented and dedicated master weaver and fiber artist, she was an active member of the Philadelphia Guild of Hand Weavers, Handweavers of Bucks County, and Jockey Hollow Weavers. Her work, published and recognized with numerous honors and awards, reflected her joy of both mastering new techniques and sharing her craft with others.

https://haverfordguild.org/2022/06/13/featured-artist-hedy-lyles/

To those who knew her, she was many things—a friend, teacher, caregiver, mentor, and student—each role reflecting her ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. Known for her gentle spirit and positivity, she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she brightened.

There will be a visitation on August 9, 2025 at 10:00 am at FitzPatrick Funeral Home, 1500 Old York Rd. Abington followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of givers choice.