Lynda Jane Blair

Lynda Jane Blair, 76, of New Kent, VA, passed away at VCU Medical Center in Richmond on February 27, 2024. Lynda was born in Pittsfield, MA, the daughter of the late Bernard Kushner, also of Pittsfield and Bertha (Betty) Irish of Dalton, MA. Lynda was educated in Pittsfield schools, Bartlett and North Junior High. She attended High School in Columbia Falls, Montana when her family relocated in 1963. Before moving to VA in 1983, Lynda worked for 12 years at Greylock Plastics on Peck's Rd in Pittsfield.

Lynda loved wildlife. She wouldn't hesitate to take in an injured creature and do whatever she could to save it. Lynda loved nature, photography and birdwatching. She really enjoyed trips to Florida, a birding paradise. Lynda was a naturally talented person. After moving to Virginia in 1983 she started making country crafts at home and would sell them at local craft shows, then events as far away as PA, MD and NC. She opened her own store called Country Keepsakes. Without formal training, she was a gifted artist. If she had an idea she would paint on canvas or create something from clay or wood. Lynda loved books. She was an avid reader and finished a book every few days. Everything from Stephen King to Agatha Christie. If she were asked what she was reading, she would tell the entire plot, reveal the ending then suggest that you read the book. Lynda loved British tv and movies like Masterpiece Theater, Miss Marple, Poirot, Morse and Midsomer Murders. And, of course, All Creatures Great and Small. She would watch reruns of the Big Bang Theory and laugh out loud. She had a great sense of humor. A couple years ago Lynda watched the film, Bohemian Rhapsody, and became a fan of the band Queen, their music and singer Freddie Mercury. Her favorite song was Don't Stop Me Now, it made her happy. Having such a good time, having a ball. Lynda had simple tastes when it came to food. Nothing exotic, just comfort food and her own home cooking. And she was a great cook. But on road trips her first choice would always be Burger King. She loved chocolate covered cherries, the cheap ones that appear during the holidays. Lynda may not have realized it but she accomplished a lot and touched many people in her 76 years on Earth. There is so much more to her life story than this one long paragraph.

Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Betty Kushner, her son, Erik Oppermann, originally of Pittsfield, MA, her stepmother, Shirley (Hickman) Kushner of Kalispell, MT, her aunt, Beverly Norton of Dalton, MA and her cousin, Tammy Lampro of Peru, MA.

In addition to her husband, Tom Blair, of New Kent, VA, Lynda is survived by her grandson, Thomas Oppermann of Henrico, VA, her stepson Matthew Blair of Pittsfield, MA, her sister Louise Hume and partner, Dale, of Dalton, MA, cousins Susan Strout, Betty Robinson, Kelly Norton, Tracy Valentine, all of Pittsfield, MA, Terry Mottor of Hinsdale, MA, Fred Lampro of Otis, MA, half-brother William Kushner of Bozeman, MT and stepsisters Terri Farmer and Connie O'Very of Salt Lake City, UT.

In lieu of flowers or cards please consider sending a donation to your local animal or humane shelter. They are always in need of supplies like bags of dog, puppy, cat and rabbit chow. Search for an animal rehabber in your area and ask if you can make a small donation or help in any way. These people are truly Earth Angels and they are there to help when we really need them, often spending their own money for supplies and food. Consider donating old cages, towels, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Spring is a busy time for them. I would like to believe your kindness, helping the helpless, would make Lynda smile.

If you have crossed paths with Lynda Jane Blair at some point in real life or on social media, at work or at play, please take a few seconds and leave a comment. Thank you.