Lynn Alison McQueary Obituary

Lynn Alison McQueary, 70, of Tumwater, Washington, left this world on May 7, 2024 after being diagnosed with a very rapidly progressing dementia in December of 2023. Her family and friends are deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death and will treasure the moments they spent with her forever.

Lynn was born on September 22, 1953 in Lansing, Michigan to James Andrew McQueary and Mary Elizabeth Bostick. Lynn grew up in Michigan and graduated from St. Clair High School in 1971. She loved swimming in the St. Clair River and being outdoors. She used her gifts for communicating with others and comforting those who are hurting working at the Crisis Center in Port Huron. She went on to study Spanish at St. Clair Community College and Early Childhood Education at Grays Harbor Community College and South Puget Sound Community College. Her education served her well as a backdrop for her career as a caregiver for children. She formed deep and lasting connections with many of the families of children she cared for.

Not long after graduating, Lynn moved to British Columbia, where she met Ken Brown, with his dog at the time providing the introduction. They lived together in the Grays Harbor area of Washington, and their son Valan was born on March 2, 1984 and was one of the greatest joys in Lynn’s life.

They moved to Tumwater, Washington when Valan was a toddler. He provided the deciding vote on the house in Tumwater because he thought the name of the city sounded funny. Lynn and Valan loved and supported each other over the years as a small loving family with many beloved pets in Tumwater until he left for college in 2002.

Lynn loved her family deeply, and she was equally loved by many. Her homemade meals were always a special treat. She enjoyed cooking with organic foods and shopping at the local co-op and farmers markets. Many an evening was spent listening to Lynn strumming a guitar and singing along to her old favorites. Her love for art and music radiated from her. Some of her favorite memories included face painting at the Olympia Farmers Market. She was gifted in photography and excelled at taking pictures of clouds, birds, and flowers. Lynn was also a lover of animals from the time she was a small girl and rescued countless dogs and cats. Animals brought Lynn a great deal of comfort and she had a soft spot in her heart for each one.

Lynn was very passionate about civil rights and anti-war causes, and she stood up for equality locally and globally. She sponsored a young teenage boy in Uganda, and changed his family’s life by donating financially so they could have access to fresh water at their home as well as solar power. What little she had, she gave freely and without regret. She was generous through and through.

Lynn found great pleasure in reading, and enjoyed quotes. One that she shared recently which also reflects who she is as a person is by Audrey Hepburn: "Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being’s suffering. Nothing. Not a career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we’re going to survive with dignity."

Lynn is survived by her son Valan Brown, grandson Sage Brown, siblings Joan Deas, Betty McQueary, Bruce McQueary, Jamie McQueary, Karen McQueary as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends.

A memorial service will be held in Lynn’s honor at Tuell-McKee Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 2 pm. Lynn’s ashes will be scattered at one of her favorite locations in the world, along the St. Clair River in St. Clair, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or a local pet shelter to honor Lynn’s passion for rescuing animals.