Lindy Rich-Reeme

Lindy Rich-Reeme went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 21, 2022. She is survived by her children, Susan Knaebe, Ciney (Jan) Rich, Lynn Rich, and Julie (Jose’) Melo; step children, Jody (Steve), Brian, and Jeremy Reeme; her grandchildren, Chris (Candace), Frank (Katie) and Eric Knaebe, Jordy and Alison Rich, Brandon, Alyssa and Emily Melo, and Peder Albertson and several great and great, great grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her treasured mother, father, and husband, Bud Reeme.

Lindy was born Lois Ilene Lindgren on June 30, 1930, to Lillian and Carl Lindgren, in Elgin, Illinois. She graduated from Elgin High School and Northwestern University. It was there that she met her first husband, Ciney Rich. They had four children together. After their divorce, Lindy raised the children, cared for her mother and pursued a wide-ranging career in music, television, radio, modeling, and teaching voice in mid-Michigan.

In 1983, Lindy packed up and moved from Lansing to Ft. Lauderdale to join the choir at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church as a mezzo soprano soloist. Within a few years, she was introduced to Bud, to whom she was happily married for nearly 30 years.

It is difficult to sum up Lindy’s life without noting three passions: music, loved ones, and the Lord.

God blessed Lindy with abundant musical talent. She was a skilled piano player and had an extraordinary voice. As early as four years old, singing “Jesus Loves Me”, her ability was noteworthy. She presented programs throughout grade school. At 12 she started classical training in Chicago under Madame Hanna Butler. She won radio contests and festivals. Her success continued in college performing in Northwestern’s oldest theatrical tradition, Waa-Mu.

Lindy’s musical career included leading roles in operas, musicals, Coral Ridge choir solo’s, including Handel’s Messiah, The Joy of Music with Diane Bish, and annual performances in the Patriotic, Pops, Many Moods, and Christmas concerts at Coral Ridge. She was also a sought-after vocal coach with a full roster of students, including a Metropolitan Opera House performer. Lindy loved to sing and did so for God’s glory.

Family and friends meant the world to Lindy. She was a master of keeping in touch. Once loved by her, never lost. Staying current with the lives of her beloved children and adoring grandchildren was her trademark. Lindy was loyal and grateful for the lifelong relationships she developed with friends from all facets of her life. Bud and Lindy shared a wonderful life. Bud cherished her and was so proud of her accomplishments. Lindy has missed him terribly these last three years.

Above all, Lindy loved the Lord. God’s Word sustained her. Her church life sustained her. To her recollection she was always a Christian. The Lord touched every corner of her life. She used every conversation as an opportunity to share a Bible verse – just ask the grandchildren! And, of course, Lindy made “a joyful noise to the Lord, serving the Lord with gladness: coming before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100: 1-2.

Today we celebrate Lindy. She was a faithful servant of the Lord, a devoted wife and mother, a loving grandmother, a loyal friend, beautiful inside and out, strong, resilient, and talented. We will miss her smile, her laugh, her hugs, her phone calls, her cards, her singing. We will miss her dearly.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to The Organ Restoration Fund at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 or Concert Series at New Presbyterian Church 512 NE 26 St. Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their words of comfort during this difficult time. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.