In researching an old friend, I came upon Lynn's memorial here :-(. I was so disheartened to learn of Lynn's passing. My heart goes out to Leslie, Leah, Dan, Scott, Dorothy and their extended family and friends. Our deepest condolences. Everything that was written here describes Lynn perfectly, even as far back in the childhood years that I knew Lynn and Leslie. Heart of gold, sweetest girl on the block, caring and so empathetic. She is now at peace and her fond memories will live forever.  Thank you, Leslie, for taking such great care of Lynn! I remember you as a rock, a tough, clever and determined woman who was also very caring and empathetic. Hugs to you and Ashley (whom I met when she was around three).

Ashley my husband Arleigh and I were very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She talked about you all the time, and I know how much she loved you. You have our deepest sympathy. Debbie Merrill

[On 6/5/2010 these words were spoken in remembrance of Lynn.]

I’m Dan Williams and Lynn’s favorite brother.  She was one of my three little sisters.  She also happened to be the nicest one and I don’t know how I am going to handle the other two now.

I want to thank everyone for coming today to celebrate Lynn’s life and that is certainly what she wanted.  I cannot express deeply enough what your presence, cards, phone calls, thoughts and prayers have meant to us.  All of these things have helped us in getting through this tough time of Lynn’s passing.  All of y’all have truly been a blessing to us.

Leslie – for the last number of years; the love, compassion and devotion that you have shown with Lynn has been truly remarkable.  The bond between twins is amazing and has been so evident all of your life and especially the last few years helping battle her illness.  Whenever I needed to talk with you or Lynn, all I had to do was call one of you.  I knew that the message or invitation would get to the other one.  “Lynn-and-Leslie”; I have said that all of my life and will probably continue to say it out of habit and love, for you and your twin sister.  You have lost such a big part of you in Lynn’s passing but know that we will always see her when we see you.

Ashley – you have lost your mother and friend.  When I think of Lynn, I can’t help but see you too.  Your beauty, compassion, grace, wisdom and organizational skills at such an early age are just like your mom’s.  We are all here to help you in any way that we can and to watch you grow and continue to prosper and excel.  I look forward to you continuing to whip us all in shape when it comes to the Thanksgiving menu responsibilities and organizing ambrosia night.

The past couple of weeks have been tough and I have cried a bucket of tears with many more to come, but I gain strength in thinking back of growing up with Lynn and thinking of stories of our childhood and life together.  I gain strength in thinking of all the good times with my sister during those years.  I gain strength in thinking of my visits the last couple of weeks with Lynn; that even during all the suffering that she endured, her quiet grace, elegance and sense of humor never left.  

You see, Lynn was always our little Southern Belle; always the gracious hostess, always with a big heart and always looking at the good in people and things.  I gain strength in knowing that her great laugh is being heard somewhere and making someone smile.

Hi, I’m Leslie, Lynn’s twin.

In the last 10 days, I’ve been faced with 2 of the toughest roads yet in my life.  First, my beautiful, older twin sister had to go to Heaven without me.  Second, today I’m speaking to Lynn’s family and friends as we celebrate her life.  

I have to just put my emotions away for this part of my day to say what I want to say.  I want for us to share and talk about Lynn and her life.  I want us to talk about the joy she brought to our lives and some lessons from her we can take away for ourselves.  I want us to celebrate Lynn.

During the last couple of years, Lynn, Ashley and I had a ‘little thing’ we’d do religiously.  Whether it was before a chemotherapy or radiation treatment, hospital procedure or just a plain old shot in her arm…whichever of us was with Lynn at her appointment, Ashley and I were duty-bound to give Lynn the “big strong face” move.  It reminded us that we could get through whatever we were facing, and it reminded us to smile.  We knew that we could laugh or we could cry.  We chose to laugh as often as possible.  Today, if you see Jeff (the pastor) doing the “big strong face” move, know that he hasn’t just lost it, he’s just trying to help me or Ashley get through a weak moment.

So…my twin Lynn, I knew this woman for 51 years.  My loss, emptiness and sadness are profound.  Words simply can not touch what I’m feeling.  I won’t even try.

Because we were identical twins, it wasn’t until the 5th grade before my daddy could tell us apart.  Until then, I knew my name was “L-y-n-n-n-L-e-s-l-i-e”, because that’s how he’d call for us.  Daddy also joked with everyone that we were really triplets, but the pretty one died.  

Identical twins, there’s nothing like it.  We shared DNA and fingerprints.  A bond like ours is known by so few.  Daddy couldn’t tell us apart, friends remarked on the obvious few words it took for Lynn & I to communicate to each other with, boyfriends were warned to be sure they knew which one of us was on the phone before they started any “sweet talking”, we shared telepathy whether we lived in the same state or not, and most recently, we shared the best years of our lives together as she battled disease.

In the 90’s, when my daddy was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, mother once said that “it is during the worst of times that the best of mankind reveals himself”.  I found it to be true then, I’ve seen it to be true in my life, and now from Lynn’s life.

In 2000, when I was afflicted with breast cancer, for me, it was one of my worst times.  But now in 2010, I’ve learned that my cancer journey was a cakewalk in retrospect and comparison to how breast cancer invaded Lynn’s body and how Lynn’s cancer journey ensued.  

The good news for Lynn, was that I had had breast cancer…it became a source of strength for Lynn.  Just knowing that when she heard the word cancer, and how that word itself feels when it’s about you, Lynn knew when she was talking with me that I really did know exactly how she felt when she heard that word cancer.

We quickly picked up a slogan that Lynn’s oncologist’s office staff had used during a walk to support breast cancer…”Cancer Sucks”.   Lynn’s cancer taught me again that cancer has no bias.  Cancer doesn’t care how old you are, what your skin color or religion is, where you live, how much money you make or how you’ve lived your life.  Cancer just comes in, and begins to alter things.

It’s kind of like a Tim McGraw song where the lyrics are akin to “how does it hit you when you get that kind of news? … I loved deeper and I laughed sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I’d been denying.  I hope you have the chance to live like you were dying.”  

I told Lynn it was a good thing she’d already been sky diving, because that and bungi jumping off cliffs would not be things I would do with her.  But she did have a bucket list…and we worked it.  The week before her gallbladder surgery in April, Lynn & I went to see the Celtic Women in concert downtown.  She’d always wanted to see them perform.  We had to leave the concert early that night, but that was OK too.  Before we left we got to hear their version of the song Amazing Grace.  It sent goose-bumps down our arms.  It was a great concert, and we loved it.

But Lynn’s bucket list was longer than the rest of her life time could afford us.  We didn’t make the Alaskan cruise, or to see the Grand Canyon, the Glass Bottom Boats or the Holy Land in Orlando.  Lynn’s life teaches us to think about those things that might be on our own bucket list someday.  But why wait?  Do your bucket list NOW.  Do your things in good health, with great joy and with people you hold dear.  Don’t wait till doctors have to hit you with that kind of news.

A quarter century ago, Lynn got the news that she was pregnant.  That was truly the best news of her life.  She was born to be a mom, and she was one of the best mom’s I’ve ever seen.  I was blessed to be able to live with them for the first 7 years of Ashley’s life.  Ashley is my “almost child” and she has called me her “second mom”.  Her friends all call me Aunt Leslie.  And yes, that extends to Ashley’s puppies, Monte and Noel.

Lynn use to say that “1 child was never enough, and 2 were far too many”.  She also figured that having had the perfect child, her second child could have been the exact opposite, and that scared her.  Lynn devoted, dedicated and focused her life on building a future for she and Ashley.  Lynn made sure to protect and provide for Ashley.  Lynn made sure that every holiday and birthday was made big and special.  There were always balloons, streamers, good food and more gifts than a little girl could want for.  

Early on, Lynn taught Ashley about morals and values.  Each year before Christmas, Ashley went through her toy box and bagged away those toys she no longer played with.  Lynn and Ashley would take those toys and give them to the area hospital so children waiting for their parents could have a stuffed toy to hold onto or a toy to engage their minds with during their hospital stay.

Lynn wanted Ashley’s college experience to be paid for, so Ashley wouldn’t have a huge mound of debt to live with…So Lynn made that happen.  When Ashley wanted a fairy-tale wedding, Lynn was there again with bells and whistles on, and again, made that happen too.

Most recently, Lynn wanted Ashley to be able to be her daughter more than to be her caretaker.  After awhile, Lynn became troubled watching the physical drain that caretaking took on me and Ashley as Lynn’s disease process continued.  Lynn didn’t want to go to Hospice to make it easier on herself.  She wanted to go to Hospice so there would be Hospice help for me, for Ashley and for her many other family members and special friends.  In the midst of horrific pain, unending medical issues and her loss of being able to care fully for herself, Lynn was thinking of us.  She was as selfless as a woman could be.

We used to joke that between the 2 of us, if you could take all of our best parts and combine them into 1 woman, it might make for the perfect woman.  I’m not sure she wasn’t already on her personal way to being that woman all on her own though.

As I look around this room, I see another truism from Lynn’s list of favorite sayings…“It takes a village”.  Being a single mom, Lynn learned the essence of that saying and involved family and friends in Ashley’s upbringing.  Lynn embraced any and all of Ashley’s friends as if they were her own.   Lynn spent her life devoted to raising Ashley with love and opportunity.  Lynn gave her child a kingdom and a palace to control…the kingdom of her body and the palace of her soul.

In this room, I don’t see a simple village though.  I see more.  I see a bounty of both old and new friends, business friends and family from near and far.  I see warmth, love, care, concern and great respect for Lynn throughout this little chapel.  All of the people here came to this one place in time to honor Lynn, and the family she loved so much.

At Hospice, a nurse reminded me that while Lynn’s body was gone, her spirit was here and she would send us signs.  The next day, I was startled to see strangers in my back yard when I awoke.  Turns out, Rachel was looking for their pet parrot “Sweetie Pie” who’d flown into one of my trees across the canal from the home of Rachel’s identical twin.  They are only 38, and have been battling Rachel’s breast cancer for 2 years.  I know God brought them into my life for a new reason & lessons to learn.  Time will tell.

Whether I’m speaking to new or old friends, I leave with this thought that Lynn & I both loved…”Our friends are like the stars. Even when we can’t see them, we know they are there.”

Leslie,
I did not know your sister but I know you.  She must have been a wonderful, strong, loving, independent and intelligent woman to have been your twin.  I am so sorry for your loss.  You and your family will be in my prayers for quite some time.

Lynn will be greatly missed by everyone, she was a sweet and kind lady.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Sue and Jim (Atlanta)

I greatly appreciated all the love and support Lynn and her sister Leslie have given me in my recent health ordeal. Lynn pointed out the important things in her life, which were family and friends, and enjoying the time we have with them. She helped me get my priorities straight. I will never forget what Lynn and her family have done for me. She is greatly missed and we will all look forward to seeing her again one day.
Love, Jeff Cavan

Lynn was such a loving, warm person who was always put others first and I am so proud to say she was my best friend. We shared a business, great adventures, memorable talks and the love of being a Mom by swapping incredible Ashley and Zachery stories. Heaven got an angel the day we lost ours. You are missed and loved so much, my dear friend, and always in my heart.

Some of my fondest memories are at Lynn's home in Orange Park off river rd. What a wonderful lady she was. She always treated me like I was one of her own. She always cared about the smallest things in my life. She was beautiful inside and out and gave me the wonderful gift of her daughter, Ashley. Ms. Lynn, I know you are laughing with my Godmother who also loved you so much. I will see you on that beautiful shore on the other side. Thank you so much for everything!

Leslie ~

I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.  I remember you talking of her on many occassions.  While her outer beauty was obvious, you are truly blessed to have a bond to her inner beauty.  Keep her close to your heart and the memories will last your lifetime.

I lift you and your family up in prayer and know that our Heavenly Father has His loving arms wrapped tightly around all of you.

Lynn was a special lady who we shared many a "fine" wine with...now enjoy the "fine" wine with our Lord!  God be with you too Ashley!

What a great gal and friend,we will miss you.we had alot of fun times.
Michael and Chuck Engel, Orange park, fl.

My second Mom. Momma Lynn you blessed our lives with laughter, love, and precious memories. You lighted a room whenever you were in it. Thank you for all the advice, support, and most importantly, your beautiful daughter as she is my best friend and will be a great mother one day as you were to her on this earth. Heaven is lucky to have you and we are grateful you are now out of pain and smiling down on us. We love you and miss you! Always in our memories. Forever in our hearts.

Lynn was truly a courageous, loving, and selfless inspiration to all.  She will truly be missed but never forgotten.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Prior

Our sincerest condolences.  You lost a beautiful soul and our good Lord has gained one.

Chris and Jean McGrath

I can just hear Lynn's beautiful laughter while she was with you in spirit selecting these pictures.

She was a delight and a true friend. The world will be a different place with out her.  What a priviledge to have had her in our lives.

Jane Hazlett

"My heart is so sad but I know God will hold her in the palms of his hand and she will be a beautiful angel in heaven as she was a beautiful angel here on earth. Lynns dance with life will be remembered always and be cherished forever in the many lives she touched.  My prayers are with you Leslie and your family...."   Cindy Cawthon

Lynn will be remembered fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Luisa and Malcolm Kennedy

Heaven has truly gained a precious angel.  We will always remember Lynn for her kind heart and her warm and welcoming smile.  She touched our lives in a very special way.  Our thoughts are with her family and dearest friends...

Christine & Butch Claus

may this candle light your way to peace in heaven

Jim and I were saddened to hear of Lynn's death. All your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
Much love, Sue Cambre and Jim White

OBITUARY

Lynn Wolf

October 18, 1958 – May 22, 2010

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services