Obituary of Barbara Ruth Lyman
Barbara “Bobbie” Ruth Grosjean Lyman, 94, of Denville, NJ passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Morristown Medical Center. Bobbie was born and raised in Morristown, NJ along with her twin sister, Marie (Pellegrino), and her two older siblings, Olga Jane (Rudin) and Jules “Sonny” Grosjean. She was the daughter of Lucy Burnett Grosjean and Jules Grosjean Sr., all of whom predeceased her.
After graduating from Morristown High School, Bobbie worked as a telephone operator until marrying the love of her life, John Robert Lyman, Sr., with whom she shared 51 joyful years. John passed away in 2007, but their devotion to one another was unwavering. They rarely spent a night apart and were known for holding hands until the day he passed. They made their home in Denville, NJ, where they lived their entire married life and raised their three children.
Bobbie’s warmth and work ethic carried through her years working at the family business, Lyman’s Luncheonette, and later as a beloved school crossing guard. She loved her community and spent countless hours tending to her garden in the Denville community garden, where she found joy among flowers and vegetables. Bobbie also volunteered regularly at the Denville Senior Center, where she shared her time, laughter, and care with others.
Above all, Bobbie fiercely loved her family. Her devotion extended beyond her own children to her siblings, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She celebrated every success, offered comfort in times of struggle, and always made those around her feel seen, accepted, and deeply loved. If you were really lucky, she’d offer you a plate of her famous potato salad, which was always made with love.
Bobbie is survived by her children Elizabeth Lyman Barkan (Chris) of Deerfield, MA; Teresa Castrogiovanni (Steven) of Oak Ridge, NJ; and John Robert Lyman, Jr. (Jennifer) of Wall, NJ as well as her grandchildren: Charlotte Barkan (John Landolfe), Phoebe Kingfisher (Miranda), Benjamin and Victoria Castrogiovanni, Jack, Matthew, and Grace Lyman.
Friends and family are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial that will take place on Monday, July 21st at 11:00AM at St. Mary`s Church, Denville, NJ. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. Please join us to celebrate her life, and leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Bobbie`s light shine!
Bobbie’s strength, kindness, and love for her family and friends will live on in all who knew her.
