Lynda Mary Mahoney passed away peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Lynda was born in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of William F. Maloney and Mary H. (Brogan) Maloney on March 9, 1942. She grew up in Newton, MA with her parents and four sisters, and graduated from Newton North High School before attending Framingham State College, where she made lifelong friends. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and went on to receive Master’s Degrees in Education and Psychology from Boston College. Lynda had a long and highly respected career as an elementary school teacher and, subsequently, an Educational Psychologist for the Cambridge Public Schools. In her role she advocated for children with special needs, placing them in learning environments where they could thrive.
Lynda married Jay John Mahoney in 1964. They raised their two daughters at their lovely home in Natick, MA, while building a custom home in Harwich Port, which became their summer residence. Lynda’s many artistic talents shone in her beautiful home decor. She was a gifted seamstress who upholstered furniture, made custom draperies, designed clothing patterns and even made clothes for her daughters’ dolls. She created beautiful gardens for her homes, had a passion for cooking and entertaining, and loved reading and knitting. She was an impeccable homemaker and a gracious hostess, welcoming guests for dinners, parties and as house guests. Their door was always open to family and friends.
One of Lynda’s happiest childhood memories was spending summers with her family at her grandparents’ summer home in Lanesville, Cape Ann. She and her sisters spent long days lounging in the backyard hammock, swimming at the beach and climbing on the rocks that surround Plum Cove. Her love of the beach never dimmed as she and her husband moved to Hobe Sound, FL after her retirement. During her years in Florida she developed new friendships, enjoyed entertaining and volunteered for a local hospice community. Lynda and her husband, Jay, enjoyed almost 60 years of marriage. They had a wide circle of friends and traveled to Europe, Ireland and Bermuda.
Lynda is survived by her daughters, Christin Mahoney of Newton, MA, Rachel Cronin of Northborough, MA, her beloved grandchildren, Katie Cronin and Will Cronin, her four sisters, Judith Boyle of Cambridge, MA, Grace Maloney of Watertown, MA, Janet Cahaly of Newton, MA and Christine Williamson of Concord, MA as well as many caring nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Lynda and her sisters took comfort in spending quality time together in recent years. She was predeceased by her husband.
Donations in Lynda’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, MA and Scandinavian Living Center, Newton MA.
A private service will be held at a later date.