President Helen, Lizzie, Liz, Lucy, Marion and Sue P were privileged to be able to enjoy an amazing afternoon celebrating lovely (as she has become to be known) Lynn’s life. Yuko our friendship link from Japan was in our minds too.
I am sure Lynn will be looking down on us and smiling and we expect she had a bite of the cream tea too. What lovely memories and the theme running though all our memories was love and generosity. Lynn died on 31st March 2020 during Covid three years ago and we were unable to celebrate then due to Covid restrictions. There were lots of memories of Lynn and we shared some memories too.
Helen started by sharing some personal memories and then said on behalf of the club:
‘I am, I can, I ought, I will’
Lynn joined SI Bristol on the 2nd April 2003 and became President in 2011-12. The above quote was her vision for the club during that year, which exemplifies her character. Lynn embraced life as a teacher and as a Soroptimist and could turn her hand to anything; she was always kind, interested in others and was a supportive team player and friend.
Lynn took an active role in club life and her generous nature meant that she hosted many coffee mornings and suppers, especially encouraging and including newer members. For several years Lynn helped organise the venue for the SI Bristol Annual Lunch; her ability to create friendly relationships meant liaising with venue staff, always went smoothly.
After Lynn’s cancer diagnosis and stroke, she continued to attend meetings, never complaining and bravely carrying on enjoying life. She loved getting away for many happy holidays; I know she treasured these memories greatly.
Followed by Lizzie who said on behalf of Yuko:
A Tribute to Lynn: From Yuko Hui, Hiroshima, Japan
Hello, my name is Lizzie Corrigan and Lovely Lynn was very special to me. The reason I am speaking to you today is because I have a message from our dear friend Yuko from Japan but first I will give you a little bit of back ground.
As Soroptimists we have what we call Friendship Links with other Soroptimist Clubs all over the world. You won’t be surprised to know that Lynn, in her usual kind way, responded to a request from Yuko a Soroptomist in Japan when she needed help. Thanks to Lynn we got to know Yuko well and she has visited our Club on a number of occasions. When we sadly lost Lynn I happily took over corresponding with Yuko. When we met last November 2022 Yuko presented us with a generous donation in memory of Lynn. As teaching was Lynn’s love we plan on using it to support a child or children in a school in Bristol.
We know Lynn would be delighted to know that we have just heard that Yuko has been appointed as the Youku Yokohama City Commissioner of Education starting April 1st 2023.
She said on social media “ I heard from the mayor and the director of education that I hope they will contribute to the globalization of education in Youku Yokohama City and the strengthening of the perspective of special assistance, and it has become my duty to work hard. We will do our best to meet your expectations! Lynn would have been so proud.
So I would like to end with Yuko’s message in her own words
In Memory of Dear Lynn from Yuko Hui, Hiroshima, Japan
From the moment you got back to me from my strange request for a visit to Soroptimist International Bristol, that came just out of a Soroptimist directory, on my first visit to UK more than 10 years ago, you have welcomed me back numerous times.
It was always wonderful to have somewhere to come back to, knowing there’s always someone with open arms and a caring smile. I still do not want to believe I no longer have that.
You were more than just a friend to me – you were more like my mum in UK. Thank you for being as thrilled as a real grandma would be for all my son’s achievements during his 8 years of education in UK. You will always have a place in my and my son’s hearts.
We miss you Lynn. Thank you.
On behalf of SI Bristol and Yuko thank you for letting us enjoy the memories of Lovely Lynn.