Emmaline (Lyn) Brunner Koisch

Lyn Koisch, an army nurse, volunteer activist, stock market trader, world traveler, bridge champion, lover of art, music, literature, beloved wife of Frank and mother of Mary Gail, Paul and Robert, passed away peacefully on November 24th.

Lyn spent her childhood in Norwich, New York, with her parents, Charles and Emma Brunner, and three brothers. She graduated from Vassar College before joining the Army Nurse Corps to serve during the last days of World War II. She met her future husband, Frank, an army engineer, in Tokyo, and after their West Point wedding, moved 35 times, stationed in locations ranging from from the stark volcanic beauty of Iceland to the warm Kona winds of Hawaii. Along the way, Lyn was active in the Engineer’s Wives Clubs and in Germany founded organizations benefiting lonely servicemen without their wives and another for the wives of soldiers who were unfamiliar with the language and culture. During those years, Lyn still found time to enjoyed playing competitive duplicate bridge, investing in the stock market, and hosting guest speakers as well as receptions, and parties. After Frank’s retirement from the army, he joined the FLUOR Corporation in the Transvaal Region of South Africa where Lyn rediscovered her love of animals, went on several safaris, and years later returned to Africa for a safari in Kenya. After Lyn and her husband left South Africa, they spent several more years with FLUOR in El Toro, California, then flew to San Antonio to join the pioneers establishing the retirement community known as the ARC. From the early days of the ARC, Lyn was very active in the community, but she is especially revered for founding the ARC Angels, a volunteer group who serve the patients in residence, visiting them regularly, shopping on their behalf, aiding the activities director, and sponsoring fund raising programs such as Traveling Treasures. The ARC Angels were eventually honored with an award from the Governor of Texas, and it must be mentioned that its members served Lyn in the last years of her life, visiting her room every single day. Lyn will be remembered for her vision, vitality, generosity and compassion in helping those in need. A bright light has faded from the ARC. It was cherished and will be sorely missed.

There will be a memorial service at 2:30 in the ARC Chapel followed by a reception in the private dining room. In lieu of flowers any donations given in her memory may be made

to any of the ARC charities.