The Elegance of My Mother’s Life

Instead of writing my blog this week, I wrote my mother’s obituary. It was sudden, unexpected, heart-wrenching, and yet, incredibly freeing to know she has at last been reunited with my dad. My mother was simply elegant, and I will miss her every day. 

Lynda Love Fry, 83, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away on January 31, 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospital following a sudden illness. She was born on October 26, 1938 in Christopher, Illinois to Dr. and Mrs. Loren Love. She was a 1960 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale where she met her husband, Allen D. Fry. They were married on April 1,1961 and celebrated 55 years of marriage before Allen’s passing in May, 2016. 

Lynda is survived by her three daughters – Alicia (Mike) Woodward of Mt. Vernon, Melinda (Jed) Miller of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Suzanna Gerson of Jacksonville, Florida. She was a loving Nana to her four grandchildren – Hannah (Jon) Garlough, Mac Griffin, Emily Gerson, and Mitchell Gerson. Also preceding her death were her two beloved golden retrievers, Bud and Bee Gee. 

She was a devoted homemaker and mother who served her community throughout her life. She volunteered in Junior Women’s Club, PTA, the Mt. Vernon Arts Guild, the Historical Society, and Good Samaritan Hospital. She and Allen performed in several plays at Centralia’s community theater. She enjoyed participating in study club, bridge club, gourmet club, the Elks club, and Green Hills Country Club. 

When her children were young, Lynda served as a homeroom mother, Brownie troop leader, and chauffeur to three active girls. She hosted many memorable birthday and slumber parties and was famous for her animal pancakes. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at Central Church of Christ where she and Allen were active members. 

In the early 70s, she and her dear friend, Mary Ellen Martin, opened and operated a children’s clothing store on the Mt. Vernon square called The Daisy. During the 80s, she taught GED and English at Rend Lake College. She is remembered fondly by her former students. 

Upon Allen’s retirement, they moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona where they enjoyed the weather, golf, and traveling. After Allen’s death, she returned to Mt. Vernon, the place she called home, for the support of a fun-loving group of lifelong friends. 

Music was her passion since childhood, and she was an excellent pianist and vocalist. Her favorite artist was old blue eyes, Frank Sinatra. She was incredibly creative. She made beautiful handmade greeting cards. She also delighted friends and family with her whimsical and delicious “Nana cookies.” Lynda was known as an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. 

Her family thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Their compassionate care for her over the years is appreciated. Donations may be made to the hospital in Lynda’s name. 

Lynda and Allen’s ashes will rest together at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. A celebration of Lynda Love Fry’s beautiful life will be held at a later date.