Remembering Rebekah Lyas: Celebrating a Life of Service and Impact. Our heartfelt tribute to a remarkable leader and friend.
Remembering Rebekah Lyas: A Pillar of Compassion and Service
It is with profound sadness that we at Winning Ways Inc. reflect on the passing of our beloved board member, Rebekah Elizabeth Lyas, who left us on January 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rebekah’s influence and spirit will continue to resonate with us forever.
Rebekah was born in Seoul, Korea, on September 5, 1979, and became a cherished Christmas gift to her parents when she arrived in America that December. Her life was characterized by a deep commitment to kindness and service from an early age.
After earning her master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, Rebekah dedicated her career to helping those in need, holding significant roles at Colombus House and Immacare, and most recently as the Executive Director at South Park Homeless Shelter. Her professional life was marked by her unwavering dedication to aiding the most vulnerable.
Rebekah’s creativity shone through in her hobby of making her own greeting cards and her talent for organizing memorable events. Above all, she was a devoted wife to Benjamin Lyas, a cherished daughter, a spirited sister to Dale Briere and Danielle Ohlsen, and a loving mother to her daughters, Marie Elena and Ruby EmmaJane. Her son, James Edward, predeceased her but was always close to her heart.
At Winning Ways, Rebekah’s belief in our mission and her contributions were invaluable. She left an indelible mark on our organization, driving us forward with her vision and compassion. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our community, inspiring us to pursue our work with renewed vigor and empathy.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the countless lives she touched. Rebekah’s legacy of kindness, service, and leadership continues to inspire us all at Winning Ways. For those wishing to send condolences or share memories, please reach out to kevin@winningwaysct.org.
Rebekah will be profoundly missed, but her spirit and values will forever guide us as we continue our mission to empower and heal. She embodied the very best of what we strive to be, and we are grateful for the time we had with her.
