Lynn M. Hilleary

Lynn Marie Hilleary, 70, of Staunton, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Born in Arlington, Lynn was the daughter of the late James E. Hilleary, Jr. and Joan Randolph Cooksey Hilleary. 

She grew up in Arlington, attending Saint Charles Catholic School, Washington-Lee High School, and graduating from Bishop O'Connell High School.

In addition to her parents, Lynn was predeceased by her husband, Leonard D. Myrtle. 

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Marie Myrtle-Razul (Tony); her son, Nicholas Deane Hilleary; and her grandson, Arman Oberon (Obi) Razul. She is also survived by five sisters, one brother, and many other relatives and friends.

After earning dual master's degrees at Virginia Tech and obtaining numerous teaching certificates, Lynn dedicated over 40 years to education in the Whitetop community and in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Albemarle counties. Upon retiring, she was accepted into UVA School of Law, a dream she had pursued on a whim, but ultimately chose to travel the American West instead. She even landed a job at a dude ranch in rural Idaho before the pandemic cut that adventure short. Lynn also served as a proofreader for several now-published novels.

Lynn was honored with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership. However, her proudest moments came when former students reached out years later to tell her how she had changed their lives. She was a force of nature. She was scared of nothing and was always quick to step in and help.

In her spare time, Lynn could be found singing, dancing, reading, gardening, or researching her family's genealogy history. But her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandson, Obi, into whom she poured a love so deep it seemed impossible to measure.

Her passing leaves a profound silence in the world, but those who knew, loved, and experienced Lynn know that her love will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.