Lindy Olney Rex

Lindy Rex (Melinda Olney Rex) passed away peacefully on April 24, 2012 following a courageous eleven-year battle with cancer. Lindy’s friends and family remember her as an angel on earth. She not only touched the lives of so many with her warm, genuine, caring, fun-loving, and creative spirit — her very example of living genuinely inspired and motivated all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband Douglas, three sons Colin, 18, Graham, 14, and Duncan, 11 as well as her surrogate daughter Stacey Young. Lindy was the daughter of George and Connie Olney and sister to Mike (Deanna) and Jack (Sheila). In addition, she had a large extended family, including nieces and nephews Jon-Michael Olney, Quinton Story, Zachary and Elizabeth Olney; Kaylee and Madeline Hays; and David, Rachel and Stephen Rex, as well as countless friends whose lives will be forever changed. Lindy was born in Augusta, Georgia and spent many of her early years in Columbia, South Carolina. She graduated from Duke University with engineering degrees in 1985.

Lindy’s creativity soared in the vibrant jewelry she made, shared, and donated for cancer research. She loved and excelled at quilting, designing and sewing amazing keepsake quilts for friends and family. Lindy never took nature for granted, appreciating every spring daffodil and the pattern on a baby giraffe. She created a beautiful landscape for her own family both outside and inside her home. Her creativity with photographs leaves beautiful memories for all.

Lindy was an incredibly intelligent, industrious, do-it-yourself woman. The queen of research, she figured out how to do anything and everything. She fixed her dishwasher and car, designed her kitchen, and researched complex medical issues to address not only her own cancer, but the health challenges faced by others. She was a teacher at heart, never missing an opportunity to share her knowledge and know-how. She embraced and mastered new technologies, teaching friends and family how to use their first digital cameras, laptop computers, and smart phones.

Lindy loved and cared for everyone in her life, displaying tremendous selflessness. She was the best wife, mother, daughter, and sister any family could ask for. She never met a stranger, and was the first to find the good and unique traits in everyone she met. She was a mom to every child she knew, and a sister to every friend she had. Not only was she the first to volunteer to help when it was needed, she could anticipate needs and organize an army to get the job done. Her infectious smile, tight hugs, love, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

A service celebrating her life will be at Saint Francis United Methodist Church (2965 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, NC 27518) on April 26 at 4:00 pm. Guests are invited to wear casual attire and bright colors in celebration of Lindy’s colorful spirit and grace. A reception will follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring for Carcinoid (caringforcarcinoid.org).

Condolences may be sent through www.BrownWynneCary.com