Joan Lynette Lyn Munson Webster-Holmes

If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Joan Lynette Munson Webster-Holmes. She was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around her. Even though Lyn was enthusiastic and generous, life was often difficult for her. Lyn had strong ideals she held dear. Despite her outer strengths and beliefs, Lyn often struggled in her efforts. Lyn's was always one to hope for the best, but knew everything had a means to an end and be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in her life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Lyn, something that was always there and that she readily shared with everyone around her.

Lyn was born on May 3, 1950 at Syracuse Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, New York to her parents, Theodore and Bonalyn Munson. She was the eldest of four siblings, two brothers Tom and Rick, and two sisters Gail and Jan. As a child, Lyn lived in Ithaca, New York; Juno, Alaska; Syracuse, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Fullerton, California before the family settled in Boise, Idaho in 1968. She moved to Seattle, Washington in 1969.

Throughout her life, Lyn showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships and she was an expressive person. Lyn was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around her. Lyn and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared for one another.

High school was a time for Lyn to seek out knowledge. She enjoyed learning and had a natural interest in gathering information. Lyn had a flair for the poetic and was very expressive and articulate, especially when it came to her writing. She graduated from Cornelia Connelly School in Anaheim in 1968. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having some favorite classes and teachers. During this time, she was a member of the Catholic Faith and confirmed as a child.

While those who did not know her well found Lyn to be somewhat reserved until they got to know her, she was an authentic and devoted friend. Lyn was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. She presented a pleasant face to the outside world often concealing the pain and discomfort she felt over her own and others difficulties. Lyn sought to achieve harmony with everyone and tried to mend conflicts and avoid interpersonal struggles. While growing up, her best friend was Mary Ellen Murphy. In her 20s, she was closest to Sue Osbourne. She had many friends who cared for her including Vinny Pete, Rosebud Kehrer, Dianne and Bill Berry but most recently, Chris Thompson (aka Chrisko) was her closest companion.

The desire for romance was always present in Lyn's life. Lyn cared deeply for Larry Potter until his passing in April 1986. Gerald (Jerry) Holmes and Lyn were married December 1, 2004 in Seattle, Washington. Her loyalty and strong commitment brought a sense of completeness to their marriage until his passing in February 12, 2006.

Lyn was a vivacious person who held deep feelings for her child. Early in her life, she enjoyed having fun with her daughter and was at times fiercely protective of her. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Ariel, Faith and Rochelle. Lyn showed great empathy and good intentions.

Lyn enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Lyn was passionate in her beliefs and often times a very skilled written communicator. She could really come alive when involved in one her “projects”. Her favorite pursuits were journal writing, yardwork/gardening, playing the piano, dancing, collecting antiques and watching TV with her favorite contestant, Chris. Her favorite shows were Jeopardy, Perry Mason, Adam 12, Dragnet and Emergency. Lyn was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but she was also willing to share her interests with others. Throughout the years, Lyn enjoyed going to functions at the White Center Eagles and enjoyed traveling. Favorite vacations included trips to Centralia, Washington, Upstate New York and Westport, Washington.

Lyn was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Lyn's favorites was Blaze, a Dachshund. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her cat, Max who was with her the last ten years. She also was known to try to care for a many strays through the years. Lyn also enjoyed her tropical fish.

Lyn passed away on December 28, 2010 at her home. She is survived by her daughter, Jenifer; brothers, Thomas and Rick; sisters, Gail and Jan; her mother, Bon and her grandchildren, Ariel, Faith and Rochelle. A Memorial Service was held at Yarington's Funeral Home in Seattle on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 2:00pm.

Lynette Munson Webster-Holmes viewed the people in her life as essentially good. She was someone who saw the world in terms of black and white but lived somewhere in the gray area. Lyn tried to focus on the good she saw, taking the bad with good. Lyn constantly held onto her dreams. She was mystical at times and could be considered the seer or shaman of a group. It was this insight and quiet reserve that became Lyn's trademark qualities for all who knew her, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew her loved Joan Lynette Munson Webster-Holmes.