i bet the ‘sound’ wasn’t sticky lifters, but just plain noisy lifters, worn out from lack of lubrication.
some cars (i don’t know if this applies to aunties lancer) will ‘take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’ so it may be no worry. but, since your aunt MAY be left on the side of the road at some point to remove doubt, why not take it in to get it checked out?