Sending my love to Mandee and Sam and your families. My childhood has a special collection of memories with you and our families. Grateful to your mom for the warm familiarity of the many dinner parties at our respective houses, the delicious chocolate mousse and other desserts she always made, and the reliable laughter and sincerity shared throughout evenings together. <3
1
Lynn was such a meaningful presence in my childhood. She and my uncle lived just down the road from us and their household was like a second home...so many holidays, birthdays, and special occasions were celebrated there. She introduced me to what would be my lifelong love of cats. If I was very good, she would let me play with her fancy dolls and got me into Storybook dolls. She sewed clothes for my holly hobby dolls and even made me a cloth doll, Claudette, with a whole wardrobe of fancy outfits. She sewed my ballet costumes and even made my 8th grade graduation dress just like the one I fell in love with at the store but couldn't buy. Our family could be "larger than life" and even though she had a quieter personality, she always had a strong, impactful presences in it. As another quiet person, that caught my attention. Through her understated dry sarcastic wit and her gentle teasing, she taught me to not take myself too seriously and learn to laugh at myself...a tough thing to teach a moody pre-teen! When I think of Lynn I think of the colored glass crystal wine glasses she liked to collect, amazing meals and desserts that seemed so effortlessly made, dancing in her living room to music blasting, ice in champagne, that Mona Lisa smile, and someone I could depend on. Always.
0
Lynnolia T was her nickname for me. We met at age 19 at Appalachian State University and remained friends until her passing. Lynn was one of the most trusting, caring friends and the most talented friend. She was a maverick in artistry and craftsmanship. Lynn loved her children , Mandee and Sam, and doted on her grandchildren. I am so glad that I had “Lynnolia T” in my life.
0
This says I am "Helen Hays," but actually I am Scott.
The first time I met Lynn was at Christmas in 1988. Helen Huey ... Lynn's sister-in-law (and now my wife) ... wanted to cement our budding relationship and introduce me to the family. As usual, Lynn had put together a spectacular dinner which she set out as a buffet along the counter top. We all lined up to serve ourselves and I was following along behind Gordon. I did not recognize one of the dishes to which I helped myself, but it sure looked good. After putting a small spoonful on my plate, I asked Gordon what it was and he replied "Lynn's yams." I reflexively put the helping I had taken back on the service plate (I really do not like yams). When I looked up, everyone was staring at me in somewhat shocked disbelief. Gordon broke the tension by laughing, and then said something to the effect that he had to like someone who would do something so stupid in front of a bunch of people he didn't know and was trying to impress. Lynn laughed and all was well, and our friendship only grew after that.
And this story reminds me of something else Lynn did for Helen and I that I will never forget. We held our wedding ceremony at her house on Blackbart Trail, and Lynn prepared a bevy of wonderful deserts -- 21 different deserts in all -- that she served on plates scattered somewhat randomly throughout the house. For those who do not know, besides being an excellent cook, she was also a semi-professional pastry chef. My goodness were those deserts wonderful!
1
How does one begin to define this little woman who was such a powerhouse in her quiet way. First she was a devoted mom which is how we met almost 30 years ago when her son and my son became friends. From that point forward our lives were nothing but enriched by her. It’s impossible to express all that she accomplished but anyone who knew Lynn would agree that her baking of desserts was unrivaled. I will especially miss the Eishler cookies she made for us every Christmas. One year she decided she wanted to create a place of peace at her home so she started gathering smooth, flat rocks and transporting them in the trunk of her car. Fast forward a few years and what she accomplished was one of the most beautiful places I can think of to go. The entire front outdoor space of her house became small patios and pathways, bordered by flowers and plants, water fountains, and sitting areas. I always wanted some magazine to do an article because it was so breathtaking. It would take a book to express all of the memories and fun times Lynn, Sally and I, along with our children, have shared. Being single moms we had a special and strong bond. Bless her children Mandy and Sam for being such good kids and for always being there for her. Lynn was a gift to us all and I will cherish her in my heart forever💕
1
My condolences to Lynne's family.
I first met Lynne when we were in Graduate school at Michigan State University in 1965. Lynne wanted to go to California to teach after we obtained our degree. Sooooo in the summer of 1967, I drove to Greenville, SC and we traveled by car across the southern part of the US. through the Mojave Desert. It was a little hot in July without air-conditioning. Yikes...
Lynne needed a car and she found a new Chevrolet (bright yellow with leopard skin upholstery.) It was quite the hit when we drove to Tijuana, Mx for Thanksgiving that year.
The first year we lived in a one bedroom apartment in Santa Clara and then Lynne found out that all the young Silicon Valley people were living in Mountain View. Lynne, Sara (her friend from undergraduate school) and I moved into a 3 bedroom apartment.
We have kept in touch all these years. I feel such a loss and would love to have one of her chocolate cakes.
1
I am so sorry to hear of Carolyn passing and not knowing she has been ill .I have to say she worked hard to get the rocks for I was with her a few times when she collected them at my place . I loved working with her ❤️
1
Prayers for Sam, Mandee and all of the family. Lynn will be dearly missed. We will keep all of
You in our prayers and hope that you feel the love and prayers and God will wrap his arms around each of you during this difficult time. You are all loved and prayed for .
1