Lynda Wallace Painton

Lynda Wallace Painton, of Williamsville, died Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Buffalo General Medical Center. She was 85. Born in Buffalo, she was a 1957 graduate of Amherst Central High School, where she received the first varsity letter awarded to a female at that school; she was a member of the Rifle Team. Lynda was a 1961 graduate of Vassar College and received a M.A. in History from SUNY Buffalo in 1965. She worked as a teacher in the Lancaster Central Schools from 1961-64 and as a substitute teacher in the Williamsville Central School district for many years in the 1980s.

Lynda served as a dedicated volunteer in several organizations during her life. She was a lifelong advocate of education, especially for women. She served on the Williamsville Central Schools Community Relations Advisory Board (1982-83), the Task Force on Excellence (1983-84), and the Erie County School Board Association Legislative Committee (1984-88). Lynda was a member of the Vassar Club of Western New York her entire adult life, serving in many roles, including President (1990-94). She raised thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to send students to Vassar.

Lynda was passionate about Girl Scouts as she believed in empowering girls with life skills. She led various Cadette and Senior troops and served in many positions on the Girl Scout Council of Western NY. Lynda received the Council Award in 1985 and served on the Board of Directors (1986-88). She organized fund development as a new effort for the Western NY Council in 1984, was chair of the Fund Development Advisory committee from 1984-88, and was the only volunteer executive loaned to the United Way Campaign in 1987. In 1998, Lynda received the highest adult award in Girl Scouting, the Thanks Badge.

Lynda was an active and faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church in Amherst for over 70 years. She served as Superintendent of the Sunday School (1988-89), and on many committees over the years, such as the Pastor-Parish, Worship, and Finance committees. Lynda was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She gave many lectures on various historical topics to the local Williams Mills Chapter and served on various DAR committees.

Lynda was married to J. Frederick Painton, Jr. M.D. for 55 years until his death in 2018. She supported her husband in countless ways, including managing his medical practice during the last 20 years of his life. She was also steadfast in her devotion to her children and grandchildren. Lynda showed up in her family’s life with strength, pragmatism and wisdom. Her survivors include Laura Swiler (Tom), Carolyn Upton (Phillip), Julia Painton (Matthew Russell), and James Painton (Melissa) and eight grandchildren: Mark and Eric Swiler, Jason and Daniel Upton, John and Peter Russell, and Andrew and Sarah Painton.

Lynda Painton’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Service at Christ United Methodist Church, 350 Saratoga Rd., Amherst, Friday, October 4, at 10AM.