Lynn Heimsoth
July 28, 1961 - December 26, 2019
Bellingham, WA
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Lynn Heimsoth
July 28, 1961 - December 26, 2019
Bellingham, WA
Obituary
On December 26, 2019 Lynn A. Heimsoth took her charisma, her love, her compassion, her empathy, passion and energy for life to the angels. Lynn was born on July 28, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Jack and Virginia Fairman, one of three children including sister Beth and brother Jeff. She grew up in Iowa and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Black Hills State College in South Dakota, a Masters of Education at City University in Seattle, a Masters of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science at the Leadership Institute of Seattle, and her Principal’s Credentials from Western Washington University in Bellingham.
Lynn loved kiddos and loved being an educator. She taught elementary school in the Central, North, and South Kitsap, and Bremerton School Districts. And she found her greatest fulfillment as a Principal in the Marysville School District, and at Sunnyland Elementary in Bellingham. Starting in 2016 in Marysville, Lynn took an innovative approach to her role as Principal by introducing Sukha, a therapy dog, to the children in her care. Together, Lynn and Sukha were able to reach and connect with children that may have otherwise slipped through the cracks. Sukha provided unconditional love to kiddos in some very challenging situations. In their free time, Lynn and Sukha would occasionally go to the airport to sooth anxious travelers. They could also be found on campus at Western Washington University during finals week providing much needed respite to the frazzled students.
More than anything else Lynn loved her own kiddos, son Kent, and daughter Amanda. Just as in all her relationships, Lynn was a strong, thoughtful, understanding, nurturing and fun mom! She taught them their multiplication tables by dancing and singing on a table, took them to musicals and the theatre, vacations to the beach, always singing, dancing, and laughing along the way. The happy times continued as Amanda and Kent grew into adulthood. There were memorable wedding toasts and shopping trips, basketball games, and a good laugh watching manatees in Santa Cruz. Lynn always loved, no matter what.
No words can summarize Lynn’s caring, driven, resilient, and calming presence. Lynn’s spirit will continue on in her children and her loving supportive community.
Due to an outpouring of love and support the venue and time for Lynn’s Celebration of Life has moved to the Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center at 2020 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham on Saturday, January 4, 12:00pm.
Lynn’s children welcome any stories, photographs and memories you may care to share. You may post comments and photos here or send them to Moles Farewell Tributes and they will be passed along to her children.
Celebration of Life
- Date & Time: January 4, 2020 (12:00 PM)
- Venue: Bellingham High School Theatre
- Location: 2020 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (Mol) es -Farewell Tributes (360) 733-0510
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12 responses to Lynn Heimsoth
Diane Ainsworth says:
December 31, 2019
I had the privilege to work as Lynn’s secretary as she started her path as our principal at Shoultes. She was first a proud mom and second an educator. She brought may firsts to Shoultes that are still reflected today.
Lynn will be missed by many, but her influence on our everyday as educators will continue on.
My heart is sadden by the loss her children will carry forward. She was so very proud of both of you and talked of you often during her time at Shoultes. I will miss her.
With sympathy,
Diane Ainsworth
Lise Fitzpatrick says:
January 2, 2020
Lynn and met through our fur babies, Sukha and Luna, and grew a friendship over long walks, talks, yoga, funny meme-laden texts, lots of laughs and even more chats. I admired her commitment to the students and staff at Sunnyland and her dedication and hard work in moving the needle on equity and diversity in elementary education. But most of all I am missing keenly Lynn…her spirit, her laugh, her companionship… leaving a hole in my heart and life. You’ll never be forgotten, my friend!
With much love and sympathy to her family,
Lise Fitzpatrick
Doneva Froberg says:
January 2, 2020
I have been blessed to have worked with Lynn as a substitute secretary @ Sunnyland many times.. I’ve admitred her love & respect for the students and staff.. She will be missed… May God be with her family till they meet again..
JoAnn Moffitt says:
January 2, 2020
2 January, 2020
Dear Amanda and Kent,
I’m sorry. I want to comfort you but those words are just too simple, they cannot capture my feeling of sorrow for you both.
When your mom spoke of you, her eyes lit up, her voice changed, a smile emerged- all at once. She was so proud of both of you.
I was fortunate to work alongside your mom at Shoultes. As the counselor, your mom and I worked closely together-whether in providing support to kids and/or families or brainstorming ways we could become a more positive, trauma informed and sensitive school. She was always thinking, always feeling and always growing. Under her leadership, we grew as a community. She was authentic, sharing what she thought and felt, and she also always listened with her whole heart. There are few who possess the ability to live whole heartedly. She was that person. Her laugh was infectious.
I was sad when she left Shoultes. It was good for her, but it was a tremendous loss for our school and for me personally. She was a mentor, a person I admired and someone who “got” me. One of her last text messages to me was, “I so appreciate our easy connection and knowing what each other is thinking so easily.” I am sure there are similar stories from others, for she had the gift of “getting people” and was loved by many.
I am out of state and will be unable to be at your mom’s memorial. My faith helps me know that she is in a good place and will be an angel in your lives.
In the days ahead you will feel her and maybe even hear her laugh. And always you will have her love.
I loved your mom.
JoAnn Moffitt
Larisa Slesarchuk says:
January 3, 2020
You were more than just a principle. You’re an inspiration, a smiling loving caring principal, fun excited and always ready to make an impact .
Sukha was like you in so many ways . You both loved sunnyland children from day one . First time I met you it was awesome in so many ways.
You made me laugh with those funny jokes of yours . And always had Sukha by your side ?
You made me and my children feel loved, welcomed and comfortable at sunnyland .
The way you cared and worked with children is beyond remarkable .
The fun and laughter our children at sunnyland have experienced will never be forgotten .
Your and Sukhas smile will forever be in our hearts. We love you Lynn and Sukha ?❤️ R.I.P ?❤️
You spoke about your children with a smile and a spark in your eyes ?? you loved them dearly and you were so proud of both of them ?❤️
Having a principal like you is irreplaceable ? but I know I’ll see you one day with the same smile and laughter ❤️?
Love Larisa, Kenny, jasmine , Kaylina and viviana Delos santos