April 9, 2020 — Today the American Council of the Blind, the Alabama Council of the Blind, Friends-in-Art, and many other organizations lost a dear and valued friend. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the loss of Lynn Hedl. Lynn passed away this afternoon after a brief illness.
Rhonda and I were thinking back to just a few weeks ago when we stayed over after the leadership meetings to visit museums. Rhonda, Lynn, Sandra and I had a wonderful day visiting the African American Museum. It was a time we will always remember.
We shared many good times together and I am sure many of you did as well. Lynn was a 1967 graduate of the Alabama School for the Blind.
— David Trott
I am absolutely stunned beyond belief. I do not recall if I talked with Lynn for the last time the day before yesterday, or the day before that, but we talked by phone very frequently and several times within the last week. Lynn played a beautiful harp piece in the art parlor just last Monday. She never mentioned on any of our telephone conversations that she was even feeling sick. I have known Lynn for 35 years. We met at the ACB convention in Las Vegas in 1985. I did not really get to know her well, however, until I became FIA treasurer, and she became FIA president. Those positions threw us together working on lots of things together, but it was an absolute joy. Ann and I both have become very close to her over the past two or three years. She was an artist, a teacher, and just an all-around good person whom we grew to love.
— Michael Byington
I had the pleasure of working with Lynn for a number of years. She was so dedicated to Friends-in-Art and did a masterful job of setting up their program. I couldn’t believe it and had to look at my phone but just spoke with her Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. We were both in a hurry so only chatted for a couple of minutes. She sounded fine when we spoke. Like everyone else I’m in shock; this is truly sad news!
— Janet Dickelman
I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Lynn on an ACB tour a couple of years ago. I found her to be a person of great knowledge and more importantly, one of great integrity. We enjoyed visiting that evening and as we talked our conversation filtered through many subjects. Finally, we got to the thing that both of us loved dearly. That, of course, you guessed it. Her beloved harp. We talked about doing a recital together, but unfortunately, it won’t happen here on earth. I’m quite certain that she is planning all the concerts with the angels in heaven. Their sound will be even more heavenly because her talent has been added to the mix. I, along with many of you, will miss her positive attitude and kind spirit.
— Judy Jackson
Lynn was such a special person. From round sings to showcases to chats on the phone to handcrafted items and so much creativity, Lynn was amazing. She was wonderful to work with when I was convention coordinator, and always had incredible ideas for doing something special at conventions.
— Carla Ruschival
I am stunned. Truly.
I was just getting to know Lynn through our community conference calls.
Not only was she excited to promote FIA by inviting ACB for Tea in the Art Parlor, but Lynn also was present in many of the other calls, and a regular attender at our coffee social on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we’d often have three Lynn’s in attendance. In fact, she was just with us two days ago.
My heart aches for all of you who knew Lynn well.
May she rest in peace.
— Cindy Van Winkle
Comfort on This Day
For Lynn Hedl
On this day I grieve
And talk with others, bereaved
We lost a colleague and friend
Shocked from how quickly her life did end
For comfort I reach out
To others, our sadness is what we talk about
We cry, share how empty we feel
Tell one another it just doesn’t seem real
Yet our friend and artist is gone
She has made Her final flight into Heaven’s arms
And if I take any comfort at this time
It is that she will be with the Divine
God’s grace and love she will meet
Her life’s journey complete.
— Ann Chiappetta