Born Evalynne Dorothy Horner on February 9, 1943 in Sarnia, Ontario, the first child to Lyle and Eva Horner. Lynne grew up in a loving home in Brigden, Ontario, older sister to Wayne. She married Gary Richard Mills in 1963 (divorced 1979) and they started a family welcoming Darlene, Darrin, Andrea and Corinna all ending up together in Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
Gloria Lapierre, Lynne’s sister-in-law and closest friend, joined in Alberta with her husband Kenneth shortly after. They remained lifelong friends and closest confidants. Lynne’s parents also moved to Sylvan Lake, opening up “Horner’s Corner Store” where the family created countless fond memories.
As a determined single mom, Lynne began working at Red Deer College in 1979 as she aspired to provide her family with new opportunities. Her professional years at RDC allowed Lynne to flourish, marking many accomplishments in her role as assistant to the Dean of Arts and Education, a leader as VP and President of her local CUPE union, and serving for two terms as the support staff representative on the Board of Directors.
Lynne will always be celebrated as a progressive advocate, demonstrated in her daily actions and assertiveness throughout her career. She was proud of her countless contributions to RDC. More than a loyal employee, she was a trusted friend, colleague and leader. With her move to Red Deer from Sylvan Lake in 1986, she became immersed into the local community and Red Deer College. Her generosity was legendary and her home was always open. Over the years she billotted space to RDC hockey players and eventually others that needed a comfortable room and home. She went beyond the responsibilities of a landlord, assuming the role as a friend and mentor to many.
Lynne was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Throughout each of her grandchildren’s lives, she shared many special memories in Red Deer and at Seba Beach. She affectionately boasted about both her grandchildren and her children alike. We all felt her love and pride everyday, from near and far.
Her love of adventure and travel was combined through special volunteer work with the RDC to Japan and France and to the places her kids moved to, including Ecuador, Thailand and the Cayman Islands.
Lynne’s insights into ‘life’ and ‘living’ were impressive, and she was eager to engage in meaningful conversations. Coffee with Lynne was an opportunity to learn, laugh and ponder. It seemed she could talk with anyone, about anything. She loved animals, including all her dogs and cats, those belonging to family members, and she supported many animal based charities.
Those who knew Lynne also knew of her enduring health problems from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. She braved numerous joint repair surgeries, always striving to spend more quality time with her family. Her perseverance inspired her relatives. These health problems necessitated a move to Leduc into an assisted living facility and recently she received a placement at the Good Samaritans in Spruce Grove.
Lynne was an intelligent, articulate, amazing woman loved dearly by her family. She is survived by a family in mourning; children Darlene Mills (Calvin), Darrin Mills (Kathy), Andrea Derbyshire (Daniel), and Corinna Krocker (Dave); grandchildren Logan (Paige), Hayden (Erika), Rachel, Lexie, Reyna, Skyla, and Shaelynne; and great-grandchild Melrose. Her brother Wayne, nephews Mike and Jeff - predeceased). Ken and Gloria LaPierre (sister-in-law), nephews Kevin and Carson and families.
Lynne was the loving center of our family, and her memory will comfort those who knew her. A viewing will be hosted at 1:00 p.m. June 23, 2022 at Hainstock & Son Funeral Chapel in Leduc, Alberta. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at her son Darrin’s house in Calmar, Alberta. Her remains will be laid to rest with her beloved mother and father at Lakeview Cemetery, Sylvan Lake, Alberta at 3:00 p.m. June 25, 2022.
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