Lynda Addington of Helena, MT died on July 10, 2019 after a multiyear battle with leukemia.
Lynda was born on October 10, 1942 in Quincy, IL to Clifford and Melva Huseman. After receiving a certificate in stenography in 1962, Mom came west to spend a summer working in Glacier National Park. While there was some back and forth to Illinois in the coming years, in many ways, Mom never left Montana. Or Montana never left Mom. Mom married, began her family, and eventually settled in Helena, Montana where she began working for the State of Montana in 1982. She held various positions with the state over the course of 33 years of employment. She retired as a claims adjudicator with Public Health and Human Services.
Working for the State of Montana may have been her career, but she found her passion later in life when she enrolled at Carrol College. Mom graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language in 1997. Along the way she began volunteering as an adult tutor. She volunteered for several years with the Lewis and Clark Literacy Council and was recognized in 2000 for her commitment. In 1999, she began teaching ESL College Reading as an adjunct professor at Carrol College. Mom loved her students and loved her time teaching.
Mom was life-long horse-crazy young-girl. She also loved to crochet, knit, and read. She crocheted countless shawls and throws for family and friends. She was a life-long learner, having started learning Spanish well into her 60’s. Grandchildren who spent time with her came home saying “hola’” and counting in Spanish. She loved the mountains, in particular the mountains of Glacier National Park near East Glacier, the place in Montana that stole her heart. She was also a lover of thunderstorms and fall colors.
Lynda is survived by her children Travis (Linda) Addington of Creston, MT and Tahnee Szymanski of Helena, MT; her grandchildren Alice and Vincent Addington and Campbell Szymanski; her sister Janet DeKoker of Colorado; and other beloved family and friends. Also, Lynda leaves behind her heart-dog Olive and horse Legend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Melva. Mom was fiercely proud of her grandchildren and saw the unique individuality in each of them.
Cremation has occurred and a memorial will be held at a private residence on August 17, 2019. Please contact Big Sky Cremations for additional information. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider either donating blood or donating to an organization that serves homeless veterans. As the cancer and chemotherapy took their toll on her, Mom benefited numerous times from the blood donations of others. And Mom spent many years volunteering and mentoring veterans at the Willis Cruse house of Helena.
The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and all the staff at the Cancer Treatment Center in Helena for taking such good care of our Mom over the years. You made a hard and painful process so much better for our mom with your compassion and commitment to her care.
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Arletta (Priss) Leslie says
So sorry to hear of Lynda’s passing. She was always fun to be around. Prayers to her family and friends.
Janet Stellmon says
I’m so sorry to hear about Lynda. I worked with her years ago. She was such a nice lady. May all the good memories of her comfort you.
Rachel Haberman says
I’ve known Lynda since 1984. She was brilliant, creative, compassionate, had an incredibly tender heart towards kids and animals especially. We shared so many belly laughs together! I loved her blunt honesty and how she always tried to do the right thing. My world is not the same without her, and I’m incredibly blessed to have known her.
Theresa Dimmitt Harting says
I worked with Lynda many years ago. She was so fun. When I met my now husband she insisted I needed to have a six month puppy live probation before getting serious. She made up rules and calendars for me to follow. It was so fun. I really loved our friendship, very sorry to learn of her passing. We lost touch but she will always hood a special place in my heart. Thank you for the memories Lynda. Love you my friend.
Stacy L. Carter says
I am so very sad to hear of Lynda’s passing. She was such a great lady and I enjoyed a friendship with her over the last few years. Despite all she endured with her health, she was always so supportive and straight forward when we would get together and spend time catching up. Lynda loved to crochet and I am so blessed to have a shawl she made for me. I can still picture her with Olive, who she loved so very much. In my mind I see Papa Frank welcoming her to heaven with a big smile and hug. My heart goes out to her family. She will be greatly missed by all.
Stacy L. Carter says
Lit a candle in memory of Lynda Addington
Kathleen says
Tahnee and family – the written obituary is a beautiful tribute. Thinking of you and wishing you all comfort at this time.
xoxo
Kat Roberts
Kathleen Roberts says
Lynda came to visit Tahnee and I during our last week at Iowa State University. She not only cleaned our ridiculous apartment but she hid over 100 tootsie rolls ALL OVER the place. They were everywhere! I am sure the tenants that came after us found a few. 🙂
Dale Hause says
Lynda was one of the bright spots when I started at the DDS. She was always willing to help and kept me laughing.
JACKIE WENDT says
Lynda, Janet, Mary Ann and Jackie; two sets of sisters, four cousins who have wonderful memories from our childhood. We loved to visit each other’s homes, especially in the summertime when we could get to the wonderful swimming pool in Quincy or enjoy our horse barn in Keokuk, We shared inventive bedtime stories, made elaborate plans for the ‘next day’, explored all around the neighborhoods as all the kids did back in the 50’s!
Lynda was so much fun, was artistic in that she could draw horses, animals in natural habitat. I have a recently gifted shrug for chilly winter nights that Lynda made, she was so good with textiles! I will think of her whenever I see or use it! We shared girls’ secrets, had our own little jokes…I think she said goodbye to me with a little trick…the night she passed, I was out late taking my dog outside and I fell off the porch! Did not get hurt but wondered just how I had done it…never happened before…Good bye to a wonderful cousin and friend, I will see you in the next life! Jackie Wendt, Nora Springs, IA.
mary ohara geinert says
Lynda was a dear and close friend. Always listened and then would tell me bottom line. I appreciated her compassion, humor, caring and thoughtfulness. I miss her dearly. I believe she and Frank are probably on a Harley ride.
Maxine karlyn says
I’m so sad to hear of Lyndas passing. I had good times with her camping with my brother Francis who passed last August. I liked her very much.
Julianne Curtis says
Lynda responded to my IR classified ad over ten years ago for Spanish lessons in my home..what began as a teacher/student relationship developed into a lasting friendship…we both had cravings for Burger King, and would meet there regularly for those forbidden Whoppers. We shared a love of animals; I loved to hear her horse stories, and got to know Olive…I heard Sniper every time we talked on the phone. I last saw her after she had come to the Beehive….We were still able to laugh and vent about politics. I will miss her forever, but she is out of pain and distress now….
Julianne Curtis
Travis Addington says
Thanks, Travis