Published October 18, 2019
SALEM — Salem resident Eleanor M. Lynn, 85, passed away on October 10, 2019 at Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers after a courageous battle with Leukemia.
Eleanor was born in Chelsea on Aug. 8, 1934 to the late Dr. Robert and Eleanor (Murdock) Lynn. She was raised in Melrose, attending St. Mary’s grammar and high school, graduating in 1952. She went on to Emmanuel College, graduating in 1956. In the mid-90s, she also attended law school and passed the Massachusetts bar exam.
Eleanor worked at Air France as an interpreter and traveled to many countries. Her love of antiques led her to co-own the Sugar Hill Antique shop in Sugar Hill, N.H. and she travelled extensively to the best antique shows in the country for many years. She continued buying and selling antiques until her last days.
In her early years, she was an avid sailor and was a member of several yacht clubs, winning many races in the Marblehead area. Eleanor was an accomplished skier as well. She enjoyed gardening and volunteered with the Salem Beautification Committee, embellishing many intersections and public spaces in Salem. Eleanor was also active in civic groups to protect the environment and helped support one specifically to eliminate a coal plant in Salem.
She was very talented in music, playing the clarinet, piano and the church organ while a student at St. Mary’s in her high school years. Eleanor was a loyal follower of the Red Sox, New England Patriots and enjoyed tennis. She was a lifelong learner; enjoyed the challenges of life, was very accomplished, and she could do anything she put her mind to. Eleanor enjoyed nature, wildlife, helping others and found strength in her great faith.
Eleanor is predeceased by her parents Robert and Eleanor and her nephews, Gerard Lynn, Robert Lynn, and Patrick Lynn. She was the devoted sister of William Lynn and his wife Marie, Paul Lynn, all of Montana, Rosemary Maher and her husband David of Melrose, Robert Lynn and his wife Margaret of Eastham, Thomas Lynn and his wife Helen of Amherst, John Lynn and his wife Ailyn of S. Hadley and Daniel Lynn and his wife Aileen of N. Billerica. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends, especially Charlene and Bob Bailey and her beloved dog Bridgy.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 15, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Stoneham.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at MGH Boston, Danvers and Salem for their patient care. In memory of Eleanor, donations can be made to the Emmanuel Fund c/o Emmanuel College, 400 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115. To sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
