McKenzie Lynn R.

Lynn Renee McKenzie, beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 3, 2011.

Lynn was born to Victoria and Lavern Joslin, on July 7, 1949 in Seattle, Washington. From the moment she set foot on this earth, no grass ever grew under her feet. She graduated from Shorecrest High School in 1967. While working three different jobs, she went on to graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in Speech and Hearing Pathology.

In 1978, she met M. Jon McKenzie. They were married on May 17, 1980. Their son, Matthew was born in 1982 and daughter, Michelle was born in 1984. After discovering her true passion was teaching, Lynn obtained her credentials and opened her own Montessori school, working out of her home. She then went on to teach kindergarten and third grade at Sunnyside Elementary School in Marysville, and received Teacher of the Year Awards on two occasions with other various special awards. Children and education were a major part of Lynn’s life. So was cooking. She was a food demo person and cooking instructor for PCC (Puget Consumers Cooperative) Natural Markets. Her family and faith completed her life.

And what a life it was! For 15 years, Lynn fought a valiant war against colon cancer, never once letting disease dictate her life. Nothing could stop her. She organized, cooked for and hosted community kitchens, memorials, church teas, legendary Christmas parties and her daughter’s wedding.

Supported by her husband, family, oncologist, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched with her innate kindness and deeds, she showed us what life is really about. So let us all bid her sweet soul a well-deserved goodbye and eternal rest. (Like this girl will ever really rest!)

Lynn is survived by her husband and children, sister, Jo Joslin, brother, Jack Joslin (and family), mother-in-law, Louise McKenzie, sisters-in- law: Edi Dirkes, Bonnie Crockett, and Margie Impecoven (and their families), brothers-in law: David and Scott McKenzie (and family) , Uncle Leon Joslin, cousins Tim Joslin (and family), Mandy Joslin, Brad Swank, J. Swank (and family), Annette Thornhill (and family), and many, many . . . many friends.