M. Karin Lyman

LYMAN, M. Karin (Nee McSorley) Beloved wife of James H. Brun for 23 years. Loving mother of Cassie (James) O’Daniel; Justin (Kelly) Lyman; Vanessa Lyman; Lindy (Dan) Mattocks; Nick (Kelly) Brun and Andrew (Johanna) Brun. Devoted grandmother of Jackson, Carter, Kennedy O’Daniel; Finley, Piper Lyman; Jude, Sutton, Goldie Mattocks; Adeline, Sophie Brun; Crosley and Emmaline Brun. Dear sister of Kathy (Pete) Ruehlmann; Ricia (Dave) Holscher and the late Kevin McSorley and Kenny McSorley. Sister in law of Mary-Jean McSorley. Also survived by her many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Karin lived an extraordinary and impactful life.

She was a dedicated and gifted entrepreneur and business woman. During her years as a Naval spouse, she started several home-based businesses, even amidst the adventurous aspects of raising a family in Europe and the Middle East. Upon returning to Cincinnati in the mid-1990s, she focused her boundless energy on establishing and growing The Children’s House, which quickly became a community of preschools and child care centers across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. A trailblazer in early childhood education, Karin’s work provided a unique and lasting educational foundation for thousands of children.

Karin also took on the renovation and revitalization of the historic Twin Lanterns venue on the west side of Cincinnati. Using her considerable skills as a decorator and event planner, and energized by her desire to provide excellence to the community that surrounded her, Karin transformed Twin Lanterns into an elegant event center that hosted many private and community events under her direction.

Karin brought the same talents and passions to the restoration and expansion of Maplecrest, her beloved farm that had its roots in the mid-19th century. Maplecrest became the gathering point for family weddings, countless holiday celebrations, and elaborate outdoor parties for family and friends. These gatherings produced many lasting memories and frequent moments of wonder and delight for those in attendance.

Through it all, Karin herself was a source of wonder and delight for her family and for all others fortunate enough to have fallen anywhere within her orbit. Her energy was boundless. She inspired us all with her tireless work ethic and her quest for perfection in all that she did. She traveled through life with a legendary (and always spot on) sense of style. Always at the ready was her robust (some would say sharp) sense of humor and a keen inquisitiveness about those around her (particularly as it related to their choices in fashion). She loved nothing more than to bestow unexpected moments of love and generosity on family, friends and strangers alike. Most importantly, she embraced and nurtured her large blended family as the most cherished aspect of her life. Her passing has left those who knew her with both a devastating sense of loss and a sense of profound gratitude for having been able to observe and share the many uniquely “Karin” moments that will provide happy, loving and lasting memories for us all.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 75 years of age. Visitation at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., on THURSDAY from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Followed by brief time of shared remembrance will be conducted at 7:30 pm for family and others who wish to join. Mass of Christian Burial at Bellarmine Chapel on Xavier University Campus, 3801 Francis Xavier Way, on FRIDAY at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Giving Voice Foundation, PO Box 27050, Cincinnati, OH 45227. Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com.