June 18, 1947 - July 15, 2007
Our dear sweet Lynne left this life for her next adventure last night at about 7:45 PM. She was surrounded by love and song and prayers and tears. It was a peaceful passing. I will write more later for all of you but I just wanted to pass on this news and let you know than we will be celebrating her live with:Visiting hours: Friday, July 20 from 5-8 PM
Memorial Celebration: Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 AM
North Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
38 Plymouth Street
Middleboro, MA 02346
So much gratitude to all of you for all your support, care and love these last months. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Lynne's memory to the Memorial Fund of North Congregational Church.
Patty
48 comments:
Patty & Kids,
We are very sorry for your loss and you are in out thoughts and prayers.
Deb, Nick & Brandon
Patty,
God Bless you and keep you and Lucy and Nathaniel. She was one in a billion, wasn't she? Praise God for lending her to us for awhile.
Love,
Mary McCarthy
I was so glad to have the opportunity to be with you and Lynne yesterday. It was also wonderful to see and feel the community that you have built around you for all of these years.
Love to you.
Laurie
Patty,
As we all know, Lynne's wonderful wit and wisdom will be sorely missed here, but it's comforting to know that infectious smile will now grace heaven for all eternity.
Please try to rest now. Know that we dearly love you and the kids, and that I will be available to talk any time (3:00 a.m. was always a particularly "need to talk" time for me).
May God bless you and envelope you with his comfort and peace.
Love,
Charlette & Chuck
Dear Patty,
We will miss Lynne terribly-her warmth, kind words, great smile, beautiful spirit, and generous willingness to help so many.
Please know that you, Lucy and Nathaniel are in our prayers and thoughts.
With much love,
Deb, Richard, and Ryan
Dearest Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
You will all be in my heart until I see you this weekend. In the meantime, I echo Charlette's offer to call anytime--day or night.
Love to you all,
Bev
Dear Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
We are so saddened by your lost of such a wonderful member of your family. Lynn will continue to love you and your family and influnce your lives now in a very different but special way. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Gerry LeMay and Peter Leitch
Dear Patty,
It was very special to spend some time with you and Lynne on Saturday. And, it is bittersweet to know that Lynne in now fully at peace and in God's loving care for all eternity. My tears and love and thoughts and prayers are with you, Nathanial, Lucy and Henry, as is my promise that I am here and will be - day and night. With all my love at this very sad time, Deane
Dear Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Last winter, Lynne found me online. She was such an inspiration and gift to me and to my Mother. My Mom was dealing with the same things as Lynne, almost at the same times. It was bizarre. I kept Mom updated on Lynne and Lynne emailed me and posted comforting words as I cared for Mom. The two of them never met but they shared their experiences through me. I like to think they're in heaven now together and finally have the chance to meet.
Lynne got me through some scary and tough times. She amazed me. Her courage, calm, peacefulness and her love will always be something I think of hand in hand with those months caring for Mom. I won't ever forget Lynne. She has an especially beautiful soul.
I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers as I always have. I am so sorry I won't be able to speak with Lynne again, even if it was only by written words online.
Much Love
{{{Hugs}}}
Carrie
Patty, Nathaniel and Lucy,
We are so sorry for your loss....and our loss. Lynne is now having a wonderful conversation with God. I know we will certainly all miss her but will keep her in our hearts and lives forever.
We embrace you and send you our love and thoughts and will be here for you....whatever you need...at whatever time of day or night.
It is very hard for those of us left behind...but we will hold eachother up and try to keep the lessons Lynne has taught us throughout our own lives.
Much love,
Cori, Aram and the kids
Dearest Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
Our prayers are with you. We shall miss Lynne very much and are grateful that we were among her lucky circle of friends. As you face the days ahead, please call on us in any way. We love you dearly.
Linda, Jerry & Josh
When I saw Lynne on Saturday, she was so radiant, Patty. When I got jokey and told her I was kidding about my voice irritating her for years, that I knew she loved me, her answering smile was one of the warmest embraces I have ever known. It is so hard to know I will never see her or speak to her again, will never feel that 1,000 kilowatt smile, will never make her laugh or share a student or colleague moment with her, will never watch her face light up when she talks about you and Nathaniel and Lucy. It is so hard to let her go. But it is immeasurably easier having seen how surrounded by love and care and prayers she was, how serene and full of light she was, and how ready she was to continue her amazing journey. God bless you and your dear children, Patty, and thank you for the care you take of every single creature that comes your way, even in the midst of your own abiding pain. I will always hold you in my heart and prayers.
In grief but not despair,
Mary Flaherty
dear ones,
you all are in my prayers and heart! as cori said, i am sure lynne's having a great conversation with god!! doing what she loved. 19 years ago she won my heart with her love, wit and warmth....
paula
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
May God's love be a comfort to you during this sad time and always. I have the image of Lynne whole, at peace, and extremely happy in Heaven with our Lord. I can hear her great alto voice singing in that wonderful choir. I know they are glad to have her; as we were so glad to have had time with her here on earth.
Love you all,
Sondra
Patty, Lucy, and Nathaniel,
There's a song by Michael W. Smith that says "It's so hard to let you go, but in our Father's hand we know that a lifetime's not too long to live as friends." She was a wonderful mperson and inspiration to our entire family. Our hearts ache with the pain and sorrow you are feeling. Anything you need, any time of day or night, call on us. We love you.
Scott, Gina, Tyler, Bryttany and Margret
I will keep you all in my thoughts. Bless you Lynne!
crow
Dear Patty,
I read your note with sorrow and love for you and your family...Lynne was such a role model in so many ways. I remember her laughter while we sat in Elinore's living room gently drumming and chanting...her tender, compassionate nature while we talked of different losses as we shaped cookies one year in your kitchen..the certainty with which she embraced God...and her unconditional acceptance of those around her. She truly rejoiced in others' happiness...an unselfish, grounded, unique woman....I shall miss her.
Thank you for being so generous with us all in the sharing of this recent journey. You and she have strengthened many through these writings. My love is with you and the children.
Love,
Sue C.
Dear Patty, Nathaniel and Luce,
Someday you will allow the grace of Lynnes spirit, the light of her smile and the elegance of he soul fill the hole in your hearts.
xxoo
K
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nathaniel's comment about the cell phone has kept me quite choked up. An extra big hug to him from Sam and I.
Take care,
Valerie Perry
Dear Patty,
May the angels continue to provide you and the children support and guidance as you navigate these next few days.
Blessings,
Sarah Carroll
Patty, you and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynne has been a blessing to all who have had the blessing of knowing her. It was wonderful to be present yesterday as a the people of North Middleboro reminded all of us of the church at its best.
Lean on those who love and care for you.
Bill and Linda McKinney
Patty,
God bless you and the kids. WE are so sorry for your loss and keep your family in our thoughts and prayers
Rebecca, Alisa-Marie, and Cora
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel -- sending you great big sky love from Montana. You have been in our thoughts and hearts very much this past week. We are so grateful to have known Lynne and enjoyed so many good times together. We will join in on Saturday by sending you good thoughts and remembering (we'll be flying back) -- so sorry we can't be there in person.
Lots and lots of love,
Anna, Riley, Liam, and Duck
Patty I am glad that Lynne's passing was the way she wanted. Love and song. Patty we are all sending our love and support to you and the kids. She was a gift if only for a shor time.
Love Mary, Barb and Kids
My condolences. It was my privilege to know her through AAfPE. G-D Bless the entire family.
Bill Goren, Northwestern Business College, Naperville, IL
Dear Patty,Lucy and Nathaniel,
I send prayers your way...Prayers of gratitude for giving us all the joy of knowing Aunt Lynne and prayers that you will find a sure and steady peace as the three of you walk thru this time.I love you all and will see you Friday.
Lanie
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
My heart goes out to you. Lynne will be missed terribly. She is one of a kind. Her comforting words and gentle hugs will always be with me as one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. You and the kids are in my every prayer.
I am doing everything I can to be there this weekend and praying that the pieces will all come together so that I can do so.
Lots of Love,
Sasha
My deepest sympathy.
a faithful blog reader
I am so saddened to hear about Lynne. I knew her through AAfPE and we talked and laughed through many conferences. She had a keen wit and a great warmth. She was fun to be with. She will be missed. She, and you all, Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel, will be in my prayers.
Jill Martin
Dearest Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel
We now have that knot in our hearts and at the same time our love and arms are around each of you as a family in loving memory of times spent with Lynn and each of you. Words really can't say how we feel.
Thank you Patty for your courage, consentance and time to share this with all of us.
Our love and tenderness is being sent to you.
Donna and Carol
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all tonight.
Lucy and Nathaniel: You are stronger than you know and you have been given many precious gifts by both Lynne and Patty. Cherish the memories you have while looking to the days and years ahead. LIVE each day!
Patty: You, too, have precious memories to cherish of your well-chosen partner. She was s special lady, indeed. You, too, are special and you will continue because that is what you do - and because Lucy and Nathaniel look now to only your leadership. This you can do. You have an indominable spirit, 2 loving, beautiful children and an adoring congregation to support you even as you comfort them. HE is in control. No one knows that better than you. All is as it must be. Be well, Patty.
Warm thoughts and prayer,
Jim Sanford
Dear Patty,Lucy and Nataniel,
I am so glad that I got to know Lynne. She was an amazing person, but I know that she is in a happy place right now.
My last memory of Lynne is when I went to your house, I talked to her and she knew who I was, then she smiled.
I will see you on Saturday,
Eli Cimino
Dear Patty, Lucy, & Nathaniel.
I'll never forget You and Lynne finding me asleep on your couch while I was babysitting. It is one of the memories of her loving personality that I will keep close to me.
Lynne is the kind of one in a million person that I will never forget. Her passionate spirit has made an everlasting impact on so many. I'm sure that her loving, angel arms will hold you close through out the days to come.
Jorden Poole
Peace be with you.
I only knew Lynne from her blog, but was impressed with her grace, wisdom and courage.
I know you will miss her more than words can say.
Patty,
Someone in my CPE class talked the other day about people who have a "holy death." I knew exactly what she was talking about, because we have all had the blessing of walking this walk with Lynne. Her life and her dying were such a gift to all of us. May God's grace keep you at this time of loss and always.
Cathy
Patty, Laucy and Nathaniel,
We are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the fact you are surrounded by love and support. Lynne was a wonderful person, partner and Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Love,
The Stiners
Dear Patty, Lucy, Nathaniel,
I love the photo of Lynne with her pies! She has such a proud, mischievous smile on her face - as well she should. What a piemaker! What a loving, peace-filled soul! What a blessing to have her in our lives!
All my love to all of you. Looking forward to celebrating Lynne's life on Friday and Saturday.
When Laura and I visited on Saturday, Laura held Lynne's hand and told her that we'd take really good care of you, Patty. She smiled. And we will.
love,
Julie
Patty, Lucy, and Nathaniel,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!! Lynne was surely blessed by having you all in her life!
Love,
Erica
It was an honor to be there in Lynn's passing, as well as in her life, and I am passing along to you something from Max Ehrmann's Desiderata, which is particularly timely right now:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, (especially from Lynne)and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let his presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
I am sure the above will be present in everything we do this weekend. I know I have seen it in all of Patty and Lynne's friends, in all aspects of their life and especially in their church community of friends. This is a community like none other,who rise to every occasion with love and concern. Their understanding and abundance is plentiful and I am continually in awe of their goodness. It is a team like none other, and I can't thank them enough for being who they are and continually doing what they do best. And especially for being there to ease the sorrow for Patty, Nathaniel, Lucy and for both of their families.
To Sandy, Maria, and Mary from Hospice, my admiration and heartfelt appreciation for your steadfast loyalty to the end. Your love and devotion to both Patty and Lynne was everpresent in that room and I was proud to be in wonderful hands such as yours.
To Jan and Sondra and the endless crew who will take over from here and keep the ball rolling for the weekend I applaud you as well. You are all in my thoughts right now.
And finally, there is comfort in knowing, You have all helped one more Angel to get her Wings!
Love to all, Karen & Henry
Judy, I'm sorry I didn't mention you, but of course you were another angel there and always can be relied on to be a friend until the end!
The Rakeii lady, who I never even knew her name was a godsend to help see Lynne through.
And if I missed anyone, please excuse my insensitivities, as the list goes on and on! You are all wonderful! Karen
Patty, Nathaniel and Lucy,
Just heard about Lynne's passing from this part of her journey of faith to the eternal part for she was indeed a faithful servant as I have read her blog since I located it. I hope the following will bring comfort to you as it did for me as I readjusted to the passing of my loved ones.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
By: Rev. Russ Chamberlain
In memory of his parents and grandparents
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes filled with tears for me.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. I thought of all the yesterdays, the Good ones and the bad, I thought of all the times we shared, and all the fun we had had.
When I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you." Today for life on earth is past, but Here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. So won't you take my hand and share your life with me? For I have a room that is ready for you to call your own for all eternity and family members and friends just waiting for you to see.
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.
May the Comforter that God has promised to send to us all be present when you need the comforting. You will be in my thorughts and [prayers-Revruss5257
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
I am so sorry to hear about Lynne's passing. You three will be in my unceasing prayers as you have been.
I feel so blessed to have known Lynne for even the short time that I did. The memory of her light and laughter continues to make me smile.
May God wrap her comforting light around you all and shower you with happy memories that make you laugh until you cry.
Prayers and love,
Elisa
I have to respond to Julie's comment about the "mischievous smile on her face." Lynne was using that picture as her computer background when I was with her early in July. She told me to notice that a piece of pie was missing. The morning after she made the pies she had a craving and went ahead and indulged in a piece for breakfast, even though the pies were for a special dinner. She knew how to live, and yes, she was a fabulous baker!
Bev
patty, lucy and nathaniel- know that our family will watch your backs- always and forever- whatever you need, whenever- we're there - it's what lynne would have wanted had we talked about it- i know there are many others who will so the same- and that starts now-
and what i will most miss is lynne's great, great laugh !!! and making her laugh- she just really thought i am funny, i guess, and that was such fun !!!!!
we love you all-
love, alice, nancy, emily and lexie
Dear Patty, Lucy, and Nathaniel, Lynne was so full of good spirit, even until the very end of her life. I will miss her tremendous warmth, sense of humor, wisdom, and wonderful smile. She was someone to emulate and I have learned important lessons by the way she lived her life and the way she coped with her illness.
She loved you all so much and if there is an oven upstairs she will probably be making you cookies! Her spirit of love will always be with you and the rest of us will try to help mend the sadness. Much love and many hugs for all of you. Love, Laura
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel:
I am so saddened to hear of Lynne's passing, but I'm comforted to know she is now without pain and suffering. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jodi, Frank and Christian Dibari (Southbrook)
Patty, Lucy and Nathaniel,
I am so sorry for your loss. Lynne - and all of you - have touched my mom's life so deeply that I can tell even from afar how much she will be missed.
Wendy Breau
(Sondra's daughter)
Rest in peace brave and inspirational lady; from across the sea.
Thoughts condolences and prayers for you all...
Pam
Post a Comment