"What a lady. Always a smile on her face, never a harsh word. I wish I could have known Lynda as an adult, because, if my teenage memory serves me correctly, she was such a "cool mom" :) I'm so glad that she got to experience the joy of a grandchild, if only for two precious years. My parents and I are thinking of you, Liz, and your dad and brothers."

"Manny, that is so cool that you had that experience about the "Bud Book"! You and Lynda Rock!! I love you both and look forward to  my wife's celebration.......love brother, Walt
alt"

"Cuz, she will be so missed. I was always amazed how talented a person Lyn was.  Many summers on the beach at craigville.  How she loved her family and enjoyed life to the fullest. The best outlook on life ever!"

"Was visiting one of my student teachers yesterday in Mobile, Al. when I noticed a 3rd grader was reading a library book "A New Life for Bud" written by Lynda Vital. This, of course, started an interesting conversation with the child. Lynda touched so many lives while she was with us, and now that she's gone physically, she is still touching lives. Oh, I loved her so...Lynda's legacy lives"

"" Greive not, nor speak of me with tears but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you....'twas heaven here with you".
  One of your favorite quotes written many times; easier said than done.........I love you"

"Brady, (age 6) asked me today, "Mommy, when everyone goes to heaven, does God have to hold them?" I know he is thinking of his Auntie Lynn. I told him, "Yes.""

"I missed you today, mom. I felt very sad and hardly recognized myself. I thought about what you would say if I could get you on the phone.
You'd say, "It's o.k., baby. You know us, Lizzy. Give it 36 hours and you'll get tired of yourself."
Hey guys, if you miss mom it's o.k. In this situation you get more then 36. My love to you all."

"I did not know Lynda,  however I have walked –by her home in the Blueberry section of Libertyville virtually every day for the last thirty years. I always marveled at the many animals she would feed in the yard(s) of her home. As I’ve noted I did not know Lynda, but Lynda knew me, as I always loved the animals attracted to her yard. Lynda made a difference too many lives, including mine."

"Lynda's notes & letters back & forth over the past few years will be cherished forever!!  It was so very nice to go to the road race parties and see all the Vital cousins, McKays, Dooleys, and everybody else too! I got my first pair of real ice skates from Lyn,  had lots of fun in them, also the neat clothes she sewed, fit me perfectly.  So many things about Lyn were wonderful. Miss her!!"

"We have had our Christmas gatherings and Lyn came to the forefront of so many  great conversations in Mashpee. She will be greatly missed with her irreverent wit and hearty laugh that resonated through the house. Walt, Pat and family, Liz, and Steve we will be keeping in touch and sharing your sorrow on the loss of such a great lady. Love  hope, peace and prayers, Lucinda"

"lynda always made me laugh.she was a positive person and a great friend.although we lost touch i valued her friendship and kindness.so sorry for your loss."

"Deepest sympathy to Lyndas family all the Vitals & Mckays on your great loss. I  met Lynda once only at Davids and Lucindas wedding in Mashpee in September 1981, she was great fun and full of life. and a pleasure to have known.That sense of fun and joy to be with shone through and radiated to all who  met her . May she rest in peace"

"Walt, Steve-O, Lizzie, Pat,
Can't tell you how much you all have meant to me through such a pinnacle time in my life. As people grow apart, few come to realize those who critically impacted their lives. Mrs Vital was like a second mom to me, during some immensely tough times she said the greatest things - I miss you all so much. Love you all.  -Adam"

"1970 was the last time I saw both of Wally and Lynda and have always wondered how the years treated you both. So very sorry for your loss.
A lifetime of togetherness for both of you. How very remarkable."

"Finally the year ends, thank God. " What a long strange trip it's been"! Happy  New Year everyone. Remember to think of Lyn as one happy gal who thrilled us so so much! She is at peace in Heaven making sure Liz does a good job for her party in May. She comforts me now with her memory.....................love, Walt"

"Just two weeks since Lyn passed. For Walt, it must seem like eternity. Lyn, right until the end was so full of life, so authentic, so genuine, and so loving. I can't believe she's gone because she ran out of love to share. No, somewhere and somehow Lynda continues to spread the love, waiting patiently (as she always did) for Walt to someday join her and continue their amazing love affair."

"I recall seeing Lynnie coo to a horse, whispering stillness into its sides. I saw her show a troubled boy his worth when she eased him onto his mount. I watched the joy in her eyes as she hugged her kids or laid a hand on Walt's knee as they shared a deep belly-laugh. I've felt her light on my face and in my heart. Lynda's love was true to everything...diminishing none, and lifting us all."

"My husband and I are so sad to hear about Lynda's passing and wish you, Walt, and all of your family peace and strength.  Lynda and I shared a bond through Troy.  While we were only email friends and unfortunately never met in person, I felt her strong spirit and know that she inspired many, myself included.  Our thoughts are with you and may you always remember the good times."

"Everyone connected with Horsefeathers has been touched in some way by our dear friend Lynda Vital – volunteer extraordinaire, resident artist, photographer, seamstress, published author, and jack-of-all-trades creative force. Her ready laugh and irreverent wit, her generous nature and indomitable spirit, and her boundless good will graced Horsefeathers through good times and hard times, heartening"

"My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.  May the holidays bring back happy memories to ease your loss.  

Bethany Foy"

"I am so sorry. What a great loss for so many. I find myself going so far back in time remembering the fun times I use to spend  at the house in Framingham with Lynda. But, the time I remember most was the October 12th weekend we spent at Highland Drive. I had to read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea for school and do a project. Lynda helped me create it and it was fabulous! My love to you all."

"Steve, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers this week.  Take care and let us know if you need anything.  Dan and Suzanne Ross."

"Linda and I shared a birthday- April 17th- and once I found out I felt a real closeness with her. I will never forget the times that I would pass by the house on Blueberry in Libertyville walking my dogs and there she was with her bag of corn in hand with a line of ducks following her like she was the Goddess of the World. It was so wonderful!!"

"Hi family/Friends, I loved Lyn so much!  The Grand Canyon pales in comparison to the void left in my heart, mind and soul with my girl's passing. She will be with me forever! I look forward to the party in May, to see all of you and celebrate one "kickass" woman!!!"

"The one word I keep coming back to when I think of Lyn is genuine.  From the first time I meet Lyn I felt like she had known me forever.  Open arms, open heart and an open mind but above everything Lyn was a genuine person.  She will be missed dearly.  Love to Walt, Pat, Liz and Steve."

"Steve, I am very sorry for the loss of your Mom.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."

"Lynda was a beautiful person and dear friend.  She understood what was important in life - she cut through the bullshit.  She lived life the way it should be lived - with love for all living things.  I will miss her laugh, her caring nature and amazing sense of humor.  Love to Walt, Pat, Lizzie and Steve."

"Rest in peace Ms.Vital. We will keep a close eye on Steve for you."

"My Auntie Lynn was and will continue to be one of my angels. When I was with Lynn, I knew I was accepted and I knew I would always feel more whole and happy after being with her. She made me laugh and see the world more clearly. She knew what was important. She was an angel and we have all been blessed. Somehow, I know she is still with us."

"May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.  Lynda and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.  With deepest sympathy, The Oglesby's"

"Lynda had, and will continue to have a profound impact on my life. She and I battled cancer together, and was instrumental in helping me maintain my positive outlook. Lynda embodied the optimism I carry with me to this day. The Vital family and many others will know YSMS as I plan to carry it with me for the rest of my life and share its meaning along the way. I'm really going to miss you."

"I will miss Lynda, she was always inviting with open arms. She did pass her joy on with her warm, loving, accepting heart onto her Husband, Children, and Friends. I do celebrate her life, and when ever I run into some who she cared for I will see her smiling through them!  I will be ever so happy to smile back. :~)"

"Lynda was the only person my dog Gromit would let in the house without trying to bite - my dog knows how to pick 'em!  We're both very sad here on Blueberry Hill, walking down to the bridge and watching the ducks  and squirrels waiting for Lynda to come home."

"Lynda brought so much joy to those of us who walk dogs around Butler Lake is Libertyville!  Whenever our paths crossed she had a ready smile and positive comments that would lift spirits immediately.  Lynda's  kind and loving care for the "birds and beasts" made us all a little more respectful of God's creatures, and her Spirit lives on as we think of her with love as we pass your house."

"Lyn had so many talents and wonderful attributes...one I admired was to cut through the persiflage and flummery to the bottom line.  Her wisdom was welcome and honesty admired.  I sought her out for advice many times because she was trustworthy, honest and did not judge. And I wish I could have rocked red hair like she did......."

"Lyn was an amazing photographer.  Fabulous composition and sensitivity to nature made Lyn's pictures memorable moments in time.  And we never had any shyness from Liz, Pat, Steve or Erin when they were asked to pose!"

"Our deepest sympathy. We did not know that Lyn was ill. She was a truly 'vital' person and so talented and so loving. It makes me sad that we didn't keep better touch over the years. Lyn is in our thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of love on these pages is a wonderful tribute to her."

"Lynda, I met you in high school, Walt, in kindergarten.  There are so many memories… some I remember.  Linda, Lynda. L-I; L-Y.  Which is it?  Everyone knew her as NANCY!  Lynnie was and is a good spirit, a holy spirit if you will. Gifts are from the heavens, fruits are cultivated.  Kindness, Goodness, Love, Joy, Peace.  Lyn nurtured those fruits.  She is the gift. Love to all the family."

"Lynda was a lover....a lover of people, animals, flowers and everything that life had to offer.  Our neighborhood was a better place to raise our kids because of her love.  She was like a second mother to my son and to many of his friends.  She was gifted in matters of the heart and will be dearly missed.  We all loved her so."

"There's no one on this planet who insipred and left their mark like Lynnie did. She will continue to do so: her contagious cackle, bountiful energy and generous heart will forever be celebrated. She always brought a smile to our face and kindly imparted her wisdom to improve and enhance our existence.  I am honored and grateful to have had the pleasure to know her. We'll miss you, Lynnie."

"LYN-animal lover, especially the basenjis and her birds; the squirrel lady; always laughing and bubbly; fun at our annual Oscar parties; bloody mary's; 4th of July in the "Ville;" Thanksgiving with the fam and crazy Benny; always kind and happy with people's success stories; listener to all of my animal shelter tales; friend of my mom and dad (those Kraft days); and loving wife and mother!"

"When I received my diagnosis of cancer last year I was wallowing is self-pity. Lyn offered this soothing advice: "Stop whining, don't be a sissy, man up and accept it. Cancer is a pain in the butt and it may even kill you." Can't imagine too many doctors offering the same advice, but those words shook my emotional foundation so that I started to truly live life. Thank you Lyn, I love you."

"Each year, Lyn and Walt would trek their kids to Mashpee for just a week, but the close bond that our family has developed is amazing.  She taught me that love and family is all that really matters. Her final gift to me was this summer, when she gave my girls their first art lesson. They will always remember her for that and I will think of her every time they create a new masterpiece."

"We are very sorry for your loss.  Lyn was a person full of life and about life itself  and it is hard to imagine that life is now gone.  We will keep her along with her family eternally in our prayers."

"Will always remember Lyn's spunky and happy attitude.  From all your friends at the Jacksonville plant, God Bless!"

"Let all the emotions wash over you. It was an honor to be Lynda's cousin, and to be part of the McKay & Vital families. They say that time heals all wounds, and this one will heal into a wonderful warm spot in all of our hearts where Lynda will be. Some people have it, and get it, and she most certainly did!"

"Mommy! (as I call both Lyn and Lizzie and they called me) I was amazed the first time I went to the Vitals home.the playful and profound love hit me like a ton a bricks. I, like many I'm sure, felt like I was one of Lynn's babies. Lynda changed me for the better..I saw what a mother daughter relationship could be like. she inspired me to get to know my own mother on a deeper level."

"It has been a blessing knowing my Aunt Lynnie for the past 31 years.  I can hear her laughter, see her round cheek bones, covered with freckles.  It always made me feel better about my freckles, cause she always had more then me.  :) My heart is crushed, but we will all go on with Lynn's love and mission in our hearts. Love you, Walt, Pat, Liz and Steve"

"I am one of Lynda's more recent friends, but I feel like I've known her forever.  We were approximately the same age, but we acted like children.  Her alter ego was the Lone Ranger; I was Tonto.  We were ridiculous!  Most of our time was spent poking fun at life and laughing hysterically.  We were wonderfully eccentric together.  I'll miss her so much."

"I still have one of the most precious gifts that anyone has ever given to me hanging in my office. It is a hand drawing portrait of me in a musical from Libertyville High School.  Momma Vital drew it and had it framed with the quote "you've gotta have heart". We all loved her dearly. She will be missed, yet in our hearts forever.
-Joey (Garris) McAlpine"

"I remember our families and children playing together. Walt & Lyn  you were a special couple who enjoyed life to the fullest , Always seeking laughfter and joy always seeing the brighter side. Lyn was an inspiration to us all! She will be missed!"

"I knew Lynda when I went to high school with Patrick. She was always very inviting to all of his friends and was the nicest person. I will always remember her with her dogs and her lizards. :)  She was always so fun to talk to and always had a smile on her face.  She will be missed dearly.  So sad to hear about this."

"Planet Earth Is a more dismal place now that Lynda has gone on to greater heights. She is now soaring with the eagles. There is so much I loved about her; where do I start...she always had a kind word for everyone. Father Flanagan of Boys Town fame took a page out of Lynda's book when he said, "there's no such thing as a bad boy.' Lynda believed there was no such thing as a bad person."

"Lynda was my art student but she became much more..she touched my soul. Her smile, her courage and her will to LIVE everyday she could will remain an inspiration to me. I will feel her in the wind."

"I can't compose myself yet.  But let me share a few of dear sister, Lynda's words from our last writing project: "It is imperative you get rid of all those colons, semi-colons, dotdotdots, etc.  You barely have a complete sentence in the thing, haha!. You were an English major and a teacher. Why can't you punctuate any more? Aunt Mamie is spinning in her grave now!"  Dear sister, hug Mamie"

"Every time I had the pleasure of being around Lynda I was always laughing hysterically.  We shared the same sense of humor.  I will never forget what a great person she was and I'm lucky to have had the chance to meet her.  
The Bunch crew has always had a special bond with the Vital family.  She was very much loved and will be missed."

"Lynda was such a lover of animals. She was beautiful, and generous, and such a blast to be around. I will always remember our fun night at Pineapple  Hill and  laughing so hard!  I will also remember us playing beauty shop in my kitchen;)
The Bunch family loves the Vitals, and she is truly missed. Our prayers go out to you all."

"Wow, there is so much to say about Lyn.  She only touched my life since joining the Vital family, however, her spirit, drive and the love of live was amazing.  I'll say, I could not have played on Gods field with her.  I admire her deeply and with all my heart give myself to her children, granchildren, and husband.  I hope to see you when it is my time to embrase my time."