Lynn Hellyer

January 14, 1964 - August 8, 2019

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Hellyer- Lynda Dianne, of Markdale, formerly of Chatsworth, after a courageous battle with cancer and her loving family by her side, passed at Grey Bruce Health Services, Markdale, on August 8, 2019 at age 55. Beloved wife of  Nelson Hellyer. Dear  mother of Rachel Phillips (Paul) of London, Leah Stajcer (Matt), of Buckhorn, and loving grandma to Natalie and Ben. Survived by her mother Fay Vlielander of Chatsworth, and siblings Carolyn Marx (Peter) of Owen Sound, Lisa Hartley (Rick) of Shallow Lake, and John Vlielander (Chris) of Calgary. Doting aunt of  Josh and Brooklyn Marx, Lander, Derek and Elyse Hartley, Jacob and Eden Vlielander, Christy Racho (Andrew) and Mark Beavis (Kerstin). Great Aunt to Owen, Carter, Lily and Riley. Fondly remembered by  her mother-in-law Florence Hellyer, and sisters-in-law Ruth Ann Hellyer and Joan Beavis (Tony).  Predeceased by her father Corny Vlielander, and father-in-law Lorne Hellyer.

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Born Lynda Dianne Vlielander, on a beautiful sunny winter day in January 1964, Lynn was the first born to Cornelius and Fay. At the young age of six, Lynn and her family moved back to the Chatsworth area, settling on farm just outside of Massie.

Lynn’s lovable personality and generous spirit made her a joy to be around. As a child, she attended Holland Chatsworth Central School and OSCVI, building meaningful friendships that lasted decades. Following her graduation, she became a dedicated long-term employee of both Canada Trust and BDO, fulfilling her desire to help others live their best lives.

Growing up on the family farm as the eldest child came with its responsibilities, including early morning chores and helping with the younger siblings. Lynn balanced farm life by actively participating in community activities including baseball, Junior Farmers, and roller-skating, where she met the love of her life and soulmate Nelson.

Marrying in 1983, Lynn and Nelson set up their quaint home on the outskirts of Markdale, where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Leah. Lynn’s passion and artistic skill for home design meant there was always a project on the go: painting, sewing, building, gardening. Over the years, Lynn’s hard work and vision turned their blank canvas into a remarkable home that reflects their family.

Designed to accommodate both large and small gatherings, their home was a space where fond memories with friends and families were created. Lynn threw some of the most memorable parties on their picturesque property: buck and does, year-end baseball celebrations, domino nights, and horseshoe tournaments. While Lynn loved to entertain, she would also trade it all for a night of camping or a cottage vacation with her family.

Lynn took tremendous pride in her grandchildren Natalie and Ben, who will remember the many memories spent building snowmen, playing in the park, campfires at the cottage, and swimming at Great Wolf Lodge. Lynn beamed with excitement for the arrival of her third grandchild, who will grow up listening to cherished stories, memories, and photographs of Grandma.

Lynn’s lively personality fostered her love of adventure. She enjoyed her volleyball and baseball seasons, ladies’ weekends, girls’ getaways, and traveling annually with the Six Pack to numerous tropical destinations. What mattered most to Lynn was being with her family and friends, laughing, and having fun.

Lynn was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important: the simplicity of living a life with those you love. Her magnetic, spunky personality captivated everyone who knew her. Lynn has left a piece of her strength, compassion, and resilience in everyone she loved and everything she created.

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Her life was a blessing. Her memory a treasure.

She was loved beyond words, and will be missed beyond measure.

A Celebration of  Life will be held at the GARAFRAXA HILL FUNERAL HOME, Chatsworth, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday August 18, 2019. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society  would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com