Margot Lyman

Margot Louise Lyman was born in a hurry on December 30, 2021, as if she knew she had no time to spare. She died from medulloblastoma on September 12, 2024, peaceful and surrounded by her family at home. 

Margot was a delectable mix of consternation and whimsy, giggles and demands. She delighted in mischief, and especially in being caught - proudly exclaiming “Me!” when asked who, exactly, had been up to no good. She was unable to hold a grudge, her easy smile betraying the furrowed brow that followed typical toddler conflicts. She had dimples on dimples, the cutest nose wrinkles when she smiled, and a darling cafe au lait spot above her knee. 

She was an eager test subject for the novel hug ideas generated by her dad and brother's Hug Lab™. Of the many games she and her beloved older brother Arthur invented, Don't Laugh and Unruly Pieces of Laundry were her favorites. She was engrossed by the natural world - carefully observing worms, delighting in birdfeeder activity, and always making sure to pick a raspberry if she passed the garden patch. 

Margot conquered the big green slide at the 37th Street Playlot twice in her life - once before cancer, and then again after recovering the skills that cancer treatment had stolen from her. She was proud of the sign language she had learned, much of it taught by her patient and gentle brother. 

At church, she interpreted the Virgin Mary's outstretched arms as a friendly “hello” and would frequently greet statues of her with an enthusiastic wave and smile. As Arthur once remarked, "We might be the luckiest family ever" to have had Margot as our girl. 

Margot is survived by her parents, Ted and Bridget Lyman, and her brother, Arthur, all of Los Alamos. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents who cherished her. The Lyman family is grateful beyond measure to their northern New Mexico community for welcoming Margot home after treatment, teaching her, playing with her, and loving her. 

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10am on Saturday, September 28 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos, NM. The mass will be followed by a reception and private burial at Guaje Pines Cemetery. 

For those who would like to contribute in remembrance of Margot, the family suggests donations be made to the Medulloblastoma Initiative or to your local blood bank. 

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