Barbara Lyons

Bambi was born Barbara Ann Kortbawi on November 15th, 1938, in New Brunswick, New Jersey to George and Lillian Kortbawi and had two brothers, George Ronald, Robert Stanley, and a sister, Ann Regina.  She met her first husband, Eugene Alfaro, there and was married June 1st, 1958. While moving with Gene to his assignments in the Air Force, they both became involved with the base theater groups, and starred in or produced numerous plays together, even getting a roll for her Siamese cat, Duchess, in one. Bambi always had a love of the theater and would listen to show tunes all the time.

While stationed in Texas, she had their first son, Eugene Michael Alfaro, and then while stationed in California they adopted their second son, George Vincent Alfaro, in early 1967. She and Gene separated and divorced, in 1968 and she moved her and the kids to New Jersey. She remarried another military man, Harry Leo Lyons January 10th, 1970, in what was a very large snowstorm. Bambi worked at the local YMCA teaching kids to swim. Working with disabled kids was a passion for her. Bambi had a knack for getting kids and people to face and overcome their fears and did great work with teaching the kids to swim. She was an instructor at Arthur Murray, teaching ballroom dancing, and kept that passion for dancing always. In 1972, Harry and Bambi relocated to the Denver area with Johns Manville and settled into their new home in Hunter’s Hill.

Bambi, worked throughout the years, but always made time for her kid’s activities, volunteering as a Stroke Judge for the swim team, working concessions for the boy’s little league baseball, and even umpiring behind the plate. Bambi’s arms, and home, were always open and she quickly had a vast extended family of misfits, and people in need of care, whom she welcomed. Most of her son’s friends, and girlfriends, felt so comfortable with Bambi, they continued to visit after the boys moved away, or they broke up.

Bambi attended Regis College while working full-time and finally graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Regis University. Bambi worked numerous jobs, but ultimately retired from Johns Manville after working as an accountant. After retirement, she chose to raise her twin nieces, Regina and Rebeka, and again opened her home to their friends at all times.  Her home was always the central location for celebrations and holidays. Whether a ring ceremony and reception for her best friend’s daughter, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Her home was filled with laughter, food, fun, love (for everyone there even if for the first time), and the notorious red bow “fan” dance!

Bambi grew up in the Catholic Faith, and the church always held an important part in her life. She became a lector, and later in life enjoyed sharing scriptures with her fellow parishioners. Volunteering was a large part of her life, at St. Thomas Moore, the girls school, the local library, John’s Manville, the Mason’s, Eastern Star, among many others. Before retiring, Bambi was nominated and selected as the Volunteer of the Year.

Bambi loved traveling, driving across country several times, sailing around the world with her mother. Taking the grandkids, and great grandkids, on trips to San Antonio, the Grand Canyon, and many others. She loved puzzles, and would complete crosswords in pen, just for fun.

Bambi was predeceased by her husband Harry and son George. She is survived by her son Gene, her daughter-in-law Elaine, brother Robert, sister Annie, numerous nieces and nephews, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, extended family, and a vast array of misfits. Instead of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Bambi’s favorite group, Young Voices of Colorado ( www.youngvoices.org ).

A recitation of the rosary will be held for Bambi at Horan & McConaty family chapel, 5303 E. County Line Road, Saturday 9/17 at 4 pm.