Lynn Poole

09/07/2025

Lynn Poole passed away peacefully after a decade-long struggle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Lynn was born in Virginia in 1955 to John "Jack" and Virginia "Ginny" Havicon. She proudly proclaimed herself a Navy Brat as the family relocated to several locations including Guam before settling in Camarillo, California where she graduated from Adolfo High School in 1973. Before continuing her education, Lynn hiked the Mexico-to-Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail with her brother John earning the plaque of Hiker of the Year in 1976. This trip became one of her most treasured memories. She continued using her Sierra cups- to make family snow cones, and occasionally recreated tin-foil camping dinners in the backyard. 

Lynn attended Ventura and Moorpark Colleges, studying special and general education while working as an Instructional Aide at the Dean Triggs School for Disabilities. This experience sparked her lifelong interest in American Sign Language. She went on to study Dactylology at California State University, Northridge, and carried her sign language skills throughout her life - interpreting in synagogues, churches, and once even in prison for Tex Watson. Her academic journey also included studies in science through Los Angeles Trade Technical College and Santa Monica College, culminating in her training as a Respiratory Therapist at UCLA-SMC. She worked as a NICU respiratory therapist at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego until moving to Manhattan, Kansas, where she continued her career at Via Christi for over 20 years. Beyond her professional achievements, Lynn also trained in competitive bodybuilding, competing in the NPC West Coast Championship.

Judaism was a cornerstone of Lynn's life. She attended the Brandeis Bardin Institute, where she worked as kitchen manager, and participated in JOLT (Jewish Outdoor Leadership Training), continuing her love of backpacking and outdoor activities. She was a dual member of Temple Beth Shalom and Manhattan Jewish Congregation, where she frequently led Friday night services-often arriving with fresh-baked challah in hand.

Lynn was a devoted mother to her two children, Connor and Shayna. She shared her love of the arts with them from an early age. She could often be found at the back of Silver and Gold Orchestra concerts, camcorder in hand, recording every moment-much to her children's occasional chagrin. Her home was also filled with a menagerie of pets. She adored her family dogs and spent countless weekends at Top of the World Park in Manhattan.

She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her children, her commitment to her faith, her adventurous spirit, and the many ways she built community around her.

The family invites all friends and loved ones to a celebration of life at the Manhattan Jewish Congregation in Manhattan, Kansas, on November 9th at 12:30.