Patricia Lynne Connell (Mercer)

Passed away with family by her side. Born in Vancouver, Lynne was a proud Crofton House girl from Grades 1 through 12, where she served as House Captain of Wallace and made many lifelong friends. She went on to graduate from UBC with a dual Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education.

Lynne leaves behind her loving husband Gavin, daughters Mary and Jennifer (Kip), and adored grandchildren Quinn, Lauren, and Lachlan. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Pat, Pat’s second partner Walter Turnbull, and her beloved brother John, whom she said to Gavin she missed every day.

Lynne was deeply committed to education and public service. She worked on both the Provincial and Federal Parole Boards, and served with the Citizen Court of Canada. She loved sharing knowledge, whether as a librarian at Weir Elementary or teaching high school English at Prince of Wales Secondary. From there, her lifelong devotion to learning and community was unstoppable.

Lynne had a joyful spirit and cherished her home and community. She spent many summers at Boundary Bay as a young girl, and later at the family cabin on Galiano Island, swimming off the rocks, heating cinnamon buns for the neighbourhood kids, and teaching her grandchildren how to make ‘Mercer Pickle’. Lynne and Gavin also shared many fond memories in Vancouver, most recently at Balmoral Place with friends and neighbours. Lynne loved playing doubles tennis at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club and never missed an opportunity to gather the people she loved around a table. Beyond home, she had a deep love for exploring the world, whether traveling alongside family and friends or journeying through the pages of her book club selections.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Galiano Health Care Society. Condolences and memories may be sent to lynnesmemoryinbox@gmail.com or left below.

Lynne — beloved wife, mum, nana, teacher, friend — you showed us how to live with joy, passion, and courage. We carry your love and your wonderful laugh with us, always.