SOUTH BEND – Sylvia Lynn, a lifetime resident of South Bend, died peacefully Nov. 21, 2004, following a stroke earlier this year.

Born Sylvia Victoria Erickson on Dec. 3, 1919, in South Bend, she was the eldest child of Swedish-Finnish immigrants. Her character was shaped by her parents’ heritage and values; the loss of her mother in her youth; helping to raise her two younger brothers; and by the Scandinavian community. She graduated from high school in 1937, married Norman Lorentzen, and had a son, Norman Edward in 1939. Her husband died just four months later. The challenges of being a young, single, working mother at the end of the Depression and the start of World War II further shaped her life.

Happier times lay ahead when she married the love of her life, Coast Guardsman Wayne Lynn, on Valentine’s Day in 1943. The happy family grew when sons Wayne Eric (Rick) and Gordon Douglas arrived. Her sons excelled in their own ways during their school years and she took great pride in all three of them.

Mrs. Lynn never missed a clipping in the newspaper about a member of her family, no matter where they lived or what they did. She placed great weight on academics and athletics, and took pride in outstanding achievements. She was an avid fan of school sports and many can attest to the fervor and delight she took in cheering on her family. She enthusiastically supported her sons and granddaughters in their successes and was delighted to share their achievements.

She was an active member of the community and belonged to many organizations such as Propylaeum Club, Eastern Star and the Methodist Church. She served as church treasurer for many years. An avid gardener, she was a long-time member of the NQ Garden Club. She worked for the Port Dock, Coast Oyster Company and the Pacific County clerk’s office. She enjoyed homemaking and socializing with friends and family, and spent many happy times at her beach house, and traveling around the U.S. and to the “old country” to visit family. She resided at the Birdsong Adult Home in Kent, and previously lived at Alder House in South Bend. She received exceptional, compassionate care and was treated well by wonderful staff.

Those who knew and loved Mrs. Lynn will remember her as a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a friend, and a person who always spoke her mind. Her world was one of sparkling windows, Swedish pancakes and blackberry pie (made with only the smallest of berries), fuchsias, violets, and her rose garden. Her biggest joy in life was making others happy and welcome. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by husbands Norman and Wayne; her eldest son Norman; and youngest brother Gilbert Erickson. She is survived by her brother Erick Erickson; son Rick and his wife Karen; son Gordy; daughters-in-law Barbara, Judy and Vicky; and her five grandchildren, Kristin, Cassie, Melanie, Rikki and Tori and two great-grandchildren, Torin and Kiran.

A memorial service will be held at the South Bend Methodist Church at 2 p.m., Jan. 15, 2005. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the South Bend High School Athletic Department.