Lynn Rushmore Tornek

Tornek, Lynn Norman McCoy Rushmore, 83, of Coconut Grove, FL., passed away peacefully in the arms of her beloved Larry on November 28, 2024. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Lynn was the person who made anyone feel like they were the most cherished person in the room. She radiated kindness, and it was the quality that drew everyone to her wherever she went. She was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside. Born to parents Frances and James McCoy in Athens, Alabama on July 14, 1941, she was welcomed by sister Jeanie, her lifelong best friend. Lynn was raised in New York City and attended New York's High School of Music and Arts. It was during this time that she met a charming Princeton undergrad at a Christmas party, but life intervened and she moved back south to Alabama to attend Athens College.

Kismet and the strong direction of her Aunt Jean brought her back to New York where she was reunited with that same troublemaking Tiger, one Larry Tornek, and love truly struck. They married on Long Island in 1963 and embarked on what their family refers to as a Disney-like romance. It can honestly be said that for all their years together, there has never been a more loving and devoted couple. 1965 saw the birth of their first child, a sunny, blond-haired boy named Scott, and a new life in Miami, Florida. Lynn was as passionate about becoming a new mother, as she was central air-conditioning. Daughter Beth followed in 1968, completing their quinella.

While Lynn was self-taught in both bookkeeping and accounting for Larry and his insurance agency, her true dedication lay with her family, charity, and Italian food (not necessarily in that order). Lynn supported dozens of non-profit causes without fanfare or acknowledgement throughout the decades, always insistent on giving back to the community. If she saw a need, she tried to fill it, as was her most generous nature. This quality frequently paired with her endless empathy, as she gave her care and support to countless friends and family members. It was one of the many reasons she was treasured by all.

As a mother, she was unparalleled. Immensely loving, eternally caring, very funny, and ever present for her children, Lynn overcame her own extremely difficult childhood to ensure she could create the family she always envisioned for herself. Always reading, studying, and educating herself on the latest research on child development, she was driven to provide Beth and Scott with the most supportive and secure base possible. And that she did.

From Scout Mom and arts and crafts Queen, to trips to the Kendall Skating Rink, and more than a few chats with the principal, Lynn imbued her children’s days with independence, adventure and whimsy. She was always a great listener, open to new ideas, no matter how eccentric, and provided limitless love while setting healthy boundaries (as a native New Yorker, she was not easily fooled!). And as for Italian food, there was not a single Italian restaurant in the greater Miami area who did not know her name, or her love of a good marinara!

As a wife, she and Larry shared a love that could only be described as a fairytale romance, and were devoted to each other in a way that could not be matched. To know their love was to be touched and inspired by it on every level. There was a reason Lynn's favorite movie was Cinderella (besides the incomparable Gus Gus)... she lived her life by the lyrics, "The dream that you wish will come true..." Their love has been a glow that has illuminated the lives of her children and grandchildren, as well as friends and family alike. It is a gift we will all take with us.

Finally, Lynn would probably say that her greatest joy was her grandchildren. "Grandma Binnie" was a professional who was top in her field. From the moment she held the hand of her first grandchild, she transformed into the most expansive version of herself. Renowned for her reading cuddles, floor play, singing, and chase, it was the personalized "Grandma Binnie Bags" at restaurants that really raised her to legendary status. She celebrated with great happiness as her grandchildren grew to experience the world around them, and thrilled in hearing about every adventure. The love she gave was returned to her in abundance through the frequent visits, calls and letters she inspired in them. Grandma Binnie will leave the warmth in their hearts that only the unconditional love of a Grandma Binnie can give.

Lynn Rushmore Tornek was the most loving, kind, and beautiful woman inside and out. A devoted sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and an eternally loving wife. Our heartbreak at losing her will be softened by our countless happy memories: her laughter, her smile, and her wonderment of life. She is survived by her beloved Larry, children Scott and Beth, grandchildren Benjamin, Sydney, Matthew, Samuel and Kaely, sister Jeanie and lifelong friend, Lois.

Funeral services are planned at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ on Wednesday, December 4th, at 9:30am. Interment to follow at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ.

On Friday, December 6th, at 11:15am, a “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Chabad of Miami, 3713 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Lynn’s favorite charities, Feeding America, https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work