Lynn Dawson (Dawson) Shay

Lynn Dawson Shay, 83, a longtime resident of Hampden, passed away on September 17, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 29, 1939 in Manchester, NH, the daughter of the late Lawrence Miller Dawson and Ethel (Tufts) Dawson. She was a graduate of Burlington High School in Burlington, VT and received an Economics degree from Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. Lynn worked for Mass Mutual in Springfield before settling into Hampden to raise her family. An avid reader, Lynn worked for many years in the Hampden Library sharing her love of books with patrons. She served on the board of the Valleystone Credit Union and volunteered in many town activities.  In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, John J. Shay. Lynn is survived by two sons, John J. Shay and his wife Cathleen of Bethlehem, PA, and Lawrence D. Shay and his wife Amy of Westwood, MA; five grandchildren, John, Nathaniel and Zachary of PA and Molly and Nicholas of MA; her sister, Sarah Brock and her husband Richard of Montpelier, VT; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and life-long friends. Always practical, Lynn would not want us to make a fuss over her but we would be remiss if we did not express how much she was loved and how much she will be missed. Family and friends will gather and remember Lynn on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 11a.m-1p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. Burial will be private.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Friends of the Hampden Library.