Andover - Andover - Lynn Marie (Hewitt) Willey was born on February 15, 1947, in Amsterdam, NY, to Josephine (Bigla) and Lawrence Hewitt. On a fair winter day, Lynn began a life of warmth, resilience, and service.

Lynn attended St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, where she met Lloyd (Jim) Willey, her high school sweetheart and future husband. They were devotedly married for 56 years, and on October 14, 2024 they celebrated the 64th anniversary of their first date. Lynn graduated from SUNY Albany in 1968 and began her career as a teacher and librarian at the Arundel School in Maryland. From Maryland, she and Lloyd moved to Rhode Island, where they lived for 12 years.

In Rhode Island, Lynn was a founder of the East Providence Women's League and served as Vice President of the Rumford Junior Women's Club. Her community service was honored with numerous awards, including a declaration by the Governor of Rhode Island designating "Lynn and Lloyd Willey Day." During this time, Lynn earned a Master's in Media Education from Boston University and established the library collection at the Francis J. Varieur School in Pawtucket. The couple later relocated to Mendham, NJ, and then to Andover, MA, where they raised their four daughters.

While living in Andover, Lynn served as Vice President of the Andona Society, led several Girl Scout troops, was deeply involved in the Parent-Teacher Organization, and designed the props for her daughters' theater performances. As a school librarian and media specialist, she worked in the Carlisle public school system and both Sanborn Elementary School and West Middle School in Andover. In recognition of her countless contributions, Lynn was named an "Unsung Hero" by the Town of Andover in 2000.

A true "Book Lady", Lynn shared her love of reading with her daughters and students. She was known for her delicious pies, elegant teas, beautiful quilts, and distinctive style, including her colorful hats and large, playful sunglasses. Lynn had a gift for entertaining, she loved hosting family gatherings, making a warm and inviting space for everyone to spend time together. Lynn and Lloyd enjoyed many memorable family vacations with their daughters, including time spent on the coast of Maine, and winter weekends skiing in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

In 2007, Lynn and Lloyd relocated from Andover to their beloved mountain home in Waterville Estates, NH, until returning to Andover in 2020. Their 13 years in New Hampshire were defined by the surrounding mountains, woodsmoke, white Christmases, and holidays with gathered family. Throughout this time, Lynn courageously battled granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's), a rare vasculitis, for more than 20 years.

Lynn's faith was a central part of her life, providing strength and comfort when she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2024, and she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on November 8, 2024.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Lloyd, two younger brothers, J.R. Hewitt of Galway, NY and Mark Hewitt of Framingham, MA, and four daughters: Larisa Henderson (Jay Henderson), Dr. Lisabeth Willey (Dr. Mike Jones), Laurie Willey, and Dr. Leslie Krienke (Alex Krienke). Lynn was predeceased by her grandson, Reed, a loss that affected her very much. She treasured the moments with all nine of her grandsons—Luke, Reed, Everett, Lincoln, Walker, Grant, Lewis, Hudson, and Logan. They were her pride and joy, and they lovingly called her "Babci".

The Willey family express their heartfelt gratitude to Denise Moses and the Extended Family of Lowell for their care and support during Lynn's final days.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours at Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence St., Andover, MA on Friday, November 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. and a funeral mass at St. Michael's Parish, 196 Main St., North Andover, MA on Saturday, November 16th at 10 a.m. Donations in her memory may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital with a designation to Dr. Leo Ginns, Pulmonary Research.