October 19, 1958 – April 11, 2020
Lynn passed away peacefully at the DRHC with her daughter Samantha holding her hand, connected to Ashley the only way she could during these trying times, virtually.
Lynn is survived by her Princesses; daughters Ashley Kotz (Colin) and Samantha (Kristan) Wilson. Her siblings: Dan (Melody) and Tom (Janet) Hamilton, and Nancy (Jeff) Gauthier. Nieces and Nephews: Chrystal (Lee), Nathan, Dustin (Storm), Adam, Jessyca (Sonny). Great Nieces and Nephews: Jordi (Broden), Ryen, Jaxxon, Cooper, Scotlynn and many, many, MANY friends.
She leaves us to join her parents, Stuart and Lois Hamilton.
Lynn was the third child and first daughter born to Lois and Stuart Hamilton in North Bay. In 1961 the family moved first to Callander and then finally to Dryden in late 1964 where they planted their roots, and had their last child Nancy, Lynn’s “twin sister” born seven years apart.
Lynn’s personality was so big, her tiny stature could barely contain it. Always laughing, joking, and sometimes even a bit bossy (just as sisters and Mommas are supposed to be). If she were to be known for only a few things, let those be her selflessness, her unwavering strength, her fierce bravery and most importantly; her unmatched pride in her daughters.
She went by many names. Legally she was Valerie. Socially she was Lynn. As a daughter she was Lynnie. As a sister she was Lynner. As an Aunt, she was KooKoo. As a friend, she was Madame Tiff, “Gingy”, Hambone or the Plaid Princess. And to her daughters, she was Mom – unless the girls were in trouble. When those calls happened – because they did – she was always “Mrs. Kotz”.
As a young lady Lynn worked at the Dryden Safeway and eventually worked at, and then owned Dryden Florists. “The Shop” was her calling. Lynn was a people person, and she served this community for years. When you think of all of life’s events that someone reaches for a bouquet of flowers, she was always there – for all of us. Bringing bridal visions to life, saving the butts of husbands everywhere on Valentine’s Day, welcoming babies, making hundreds of boutonnieres for DHS graduates and to support grieving families when words are hard to find. Her passion for her craft and community showed through in the artistry of her store. Lynn did it all.
Her siblings remember her as the sister that was brave enough to take on a double lung transplant but would drive a car off the road if she saw a bug. Her daughters have inherited this exact trait.
Her girls remember her as being their biggest cheerleader, carrying on her passion for sports and instilling in them team work, dedication, but most importantly to have fun. She always made sure that her girls had the best of anything, never to go without. She was super mom.
She was the aunt that would pay for your skating lessons or get you the grad dress you’ve always wanted. She may have given birth to her daughters, but she treated her nieces, nephews, and her daughters’ friends as if they were her own. Always.
In recent years, Lynn enjoyed going for Chinese Food and then to the Meat Draws on Friday nights. She loved a casual “Chip” or “Pizza” party. There aren’t a lot of accessible establishments in our aging town, but she made the best of it. She looked forward to visits, Halloween costumes and trick or treaters, perusing the local shops, and the always adventurous outings Sam and Ash would convince her she could do – and she always did.
None of us know what life is like without you, Lynn. We will get through this together, because you have showed us how to be brave. Forever our tiny dancer. Let loose on those two legs, up there Lynner. We love you.
Cremation has taken place, but a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date when we can do so safely and together, as Lynn would want us to be.
If friends desire donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 63 through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca Additionally, the family would like to encourage you to register as an organ donor. www.beadonor.ca
