If you are really, really lucky, once in a lifetime you will meet someone like Lynda . . . someone who, in the words of Billy Joel ‘has a light around her’. Those of us who were the lucky ones became better people for having known her. She had a mystical essence that enabled her to make a deep connection with whoever crossed her path. She made anyone in her presence feel as if they were the most important person in the world. Her smile and laughter filled any room she entered, filling it with light even in the darkest times. Every day was an adventure, and the smallest things – a rock, a butterfly, a spilled cup of tea – became magnificent. The lucky ones who knew her, still think of her and laugh, sharing our favorite madcap stories ending with ‘you just can’t make this stuff up.’ We, the lucky ones, have been inspired to carry on her spirit. She left behind a ripple of love that will continue forever.
“She has a light around her, and everywhere she goes, a million dreams of love surround her everywhere.” Billy Joel
Though Lynda struggled with breast cancer, she embraced life. She surrounded herself with the beauty of nature at her lake house. She put her lipstick on, got her nails done, and dressed like every day was a special occasion. Her sweet voice, petite frame, and kind and gentle nature were ineffably paired with an incredible strength and nobility in the face of adversity. She was a true ‘steel magnolia’.
It is our honor and goal to carry on the light in her honor, to connect the energy of Lynda with those who may have never met her, and to allow others to share in the luck of knowing her. We will continue the connection Lynda had with young people. She worked as a presenter, encouraging and inspiring students to explore the possibilities that awaited in technical and vocational education. This connection and support are carried on in Lynda’s Scholarship fund for students seeking a technical, trade, or vocational school education. A future goal is to also offer a lakeside retreat to women who are struggling with breast cancer to help others discover the calm and peace of nature that Lynda so appreciated.
“The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand, the sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains…
for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.”
Something Beautiful Remains by Martha V. Pearson
