Lynne S. Koerner

January 18, 1928 ~ April 19, 2012

Mom, Grams and Great-Grams left us peacefully late afternoon on Thursday, April 19th, 2012. Lynne’s love of life and people was evident, resonating throughout her daily life. She positively impacted an untold number of lives during her 84 years and her spirit and words of wisdom will live on forever.

A graduate of Boston University with a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Art, Lynne specialized in the rehabilitation of amputees in art-related areas. She often spoke of her work with the frostbite victims of the Korean War, helping them discover an important sense of purpose and to re-engage in their lives. Lynne’s experience as a ballroom dance instructor was put to good use planning dance social events where she would work with these amputees to give them confidence in a safe and nurturing environment to dance once again. She taught men who had been artists prior to their military service the technique of foot and mouth painting so they could successfully return to their profession.

Passionate about art, Lynne took graduate classes at the University of Miami. She was a lifelong learner and later enrolled in a fashion design program in Chicago while living in Lake Zurich. She taught continuing education classes at local colleges, was a commissioned artist and a sought-after artist to test new product lines by decorative paint companies. It was in Lake Zurich where Lynne opened her own shop, The Little Stone Cottage, a decorative arts studio and gift shop.

Later in life, Lynne and Ray, her husband of 34 years, relocated to Ft. Myers and she found yet another way to touch others through art. An instructor with the Lee County Alliance of the Arts, Lynne taught classes in watercolor, acrylics and oils, right brain drawing, calligraphy and the decorative arts for ten years and served on their Board of Directors. Realizing a need for more children’s art offerings, she created and implemented a summer arts camp at The Alliance. These week-long summer art camps rapidly became the camp of choice, ultimately offering eight one-week camps that were all encompassing. Children experienced a variety of creativity, from writing the script and painting the scenery to performing the production at weeks’ end which developed around a new and fun theme each week. Lynne always felt the talents of children were underestimated and confirmation of her belief in their abilities was showcased each week to a standing room only packed theatre of cheering families and friends. Lynne’s desire to share art with children didn’t end here; her involvement as both a Board Member and instructor with Very Special Arts brought art to physically handicapped children and she taught numerous after school programs at the Boys and Girls Club. Lynne always sought out new ways to share her passion for art through philanthropy and prior to moving to Orlando she was one of six artists selected to paint a bedroom door depicting her interpretation of a nursery rhyme for the Ronald McDonald House located in Ft. Myers.

Lynne was a Charter Member of the National Museum for Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. and a member of numerous art societies; she was President of the Windy Brushes of Northern Illinois, a name she found appropriate for her current group of art students and dear friends. Lynne was part of the opening team for the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store located in Altamonte Springs, spearheading their Education Department and teaching classes for many years. She was a member of the Central Florida Watercolor Society and the Maitland Art & History Museum. Lynne was very proud to be a part of Women’s Emmaus at Holy Family Catholic Church and a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.

Lynne’s life was centered on her family. Daughter Deborah and granddaughter Allison meant the world to her. Without question she inspired them to see life as a gift and to make the most of it. She believed that life is a gift from God and what you do with it is your gift to God. Lynne encouraged, inspired and cheered on at every opportunity. Thanksgiving weekend of 2001 Lynne was diagnosed with colon cancer; this changed her life forever but she never allowed it to steal one moment of her joy. As she was receiving this diagnosis her most precious granddaughter Allison was a University of Florida freshman who had her sights set on participating in the Miss Florida Pageant. Grams never missed one preliminary competition or state pageant and she had the wonderful opportunity of watching this talented young woman who she helped raise step into the spotlight as Miss Florida 2006. Lynne traveled to Las Vegas to watch Allison compete on the Miss America stage and her pride filled the room. Her belief in Allison was a constant and unwavering source of strength; she loved her more than these words can possibly express.

Lynne’s battle with cancer spanned ten-and-a-half years and she was a tremendous inspiration to all who met her; from physicians, oncology nurses and to so many other patients, she was a wonderful role model. She took action, was well informed, extremely positive and determined, guided by her strong faith and a fighter. Courageous is a word that defines her and her journey and she never wavered as her cancer spread throughout the years. She had places to go, events to support and people to teach and she never missed a beat, regardless of her circumstances. She always persevered because the blessings of life made her every effort so worthwhile. The circle of life became complete recently with a most exciting and very blessed event, the birth of her Great Granddaughter Madison Lee born February 4, 2012. Madison now has a very special angel watching over her in heaven.

Lynne’s extraordinary love and kindness will continue to be our guiding light. There are no words left to say how dearly you will be missed…how lucky we are to be your family and how grateful, too…we love you.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tribute Account for Lynne Koerner, #30744844.

Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. 407-293-1361. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.