Lynn Blaskower McKannay

Lynn Blaskower McKannay, a proud 2nd generation San Francisco native, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 29, 2015. She suffered a stroke at home on the heels of promising results following a year-long battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Richard H. McKannay Jr, their daughter Sarah Tate (Eric), her mother Eileen Blaskower, and her sister Sharon Jocelyn (Robert), and her beloved dog Oliver. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Lynn was predeceased by her daughter, Adrienne (2004), and her father, William E. Blaskower (2012).

To those who knew her, Lynn was a hallmark of poise and grace, always armed with a smile and heartfelt thought. Over the years she developed and was blessed with an wide circle of friends. From her classmates at St. Vincent de Paul Grammar School, to the long-lasting associations she cherished among her classmates at St. Rose Academy to Lone Mountain College where she earned her BA in Education in 1963, Lynn was passionate about the friends in her life. Following graduation, Lynn taught many young San Franciscans how to read at several public schools prior to and following her marriage to Rick in the summer of 1970.

For the 10 years following the birth of their daughters Sarah in 1972 and Adrienne in 1975, Lynn was ensconced in the role of motherhood, supported at every turn by her parents, Eileen and Bill Blaskower, who basked in their roles as loving grandparents and eliminated the need to ever hire a babysitter.

Professionally, Lynn graduated from the role of warm and caring mother and briefly returned to the classroom, before defining the role of Director of Admission at Town School at the request of newly minted headmaster, Brewster Ely, who remained her friend and mentor through the remainder of her career.

It was in this role as Director of Admissions that Lynn truly came into her own, demonstrating her innate warmth with polish, poise and professionalism for the next 25+ years prior to announcing her retirement in November 2014. During her career at Town School, Lynn broadened her base of friends to include faculty and parents, while continuing contact with many students who returned to Town in their adult lives with fond memories of receiving Lynn's welcome each morning at the front door along with Mr. Ely. How many of us can say over the course of three decades, "I just love what I do every day…"? Such was Lynn's daily reward and no doubt the genesis of her positive attitude and ubiquitous smile.

Gregarious, outgoing and always positive and optimistic, Lynn developed friendships with people from all walks of life, all over the globe. She had many friends, relatives, neighbors and acquaintances with whom she valued her special relationships. Lynn always loved to meet and talk to new friends and she formed bonds with everyone she met. She loved to maintain a full calendar of lunches, dinners, movies, museums, coffees, walks and travel. She loved exploring new places all over the globe but especially enjoyed Carmel, New York, Italy, Paris, and Mexico while maintaining her own sense of style. Throughout her life, she maintained a passionate love of reading and spent many enjoyable hours at her book clubs.

As a wife, mother, friend and colleague we will miss you…

A memorial gathering will be held for Lynn at Town School for Boys on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. If you plan to attend, kindly advise [email protected] to allow for appropriate planning.

In Lynn's lasting memory, the family has made an initial contribution to the Lynn McKannay Memorial Tuition Assistance Fund at Town School for Boys. Lynn was a great proponent of maximizing socio-economic diversity among the student body at Town. Her family believes the Fund will help to achieve that goal and allow others to participate. Should you wish to make a donation to the Fund, send it to the Lynn McKannay Memorial Tuition Assistance Fund at Town School for Boys, 2750 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94115. Alternatively, a donation to the charity of your choice in Lynn's name will be appreciated by her family.