A SEA of bright colours made up of countless loved ones, friends and former learners filled the Kingsway High School hall for a celebration of the life lived by Amanzimtoti stalwart Lynn Schroder who died of a stroke on October 1 at 81-years-old.

Also read: Inspiring Amanzimtoti woman flying high at 81-years-old

Lynn was known in the community for her vibrant personality, her boundless positivity and her active, energetic approach to life. This reflected in the memorial, where attendees were encouraged to wear bright colours.

Tears were shed for the loss of the cherished teacher, who spent 40 years in education, and over 60 years teaching people how to swim.

She leaves behind four children and seven grandchildren.

Each of her closest loved ones shared cherished memories and anecdotes about her escapades, adventures and the free spirit Lynn was. It was clear that as those in attendance mourned, so too should they cheer. During a beautiful moment, reflecting on her life, the family danced, looking back with laughter, positivity and appreciation for the life Schroder lived unapologetically.

During her lifetime, Lynn completed 66 Midmar Miles, some 200 parkruns, cycled in nearly a dozen countries, and travelled around the world.

On October 4, participants at the Amanzimtoti Parkrun paid tribute to Lynn, who would often cheerfully volunteer when not participating herself.

Her husband, Lawrence Schroder, expressed his gratitude for the support the family has received since Lynn’s passing.

He said that Lynn was immensely proud of her success, teaching children, adults and even those with disabilities how to swim. He added that age was never a barrier for her, as one of her proudest moments was at 80-years-old, when she finished the Midmar Mile under the cutoff time.

“Together, we shared many wonderful moments, hiking in Drakensberg, camping at Mahai. Lynn was always keen to see the next valley. We often got lost but we always loved the journey. My life has been blessed to have lived with such a beautiful, supportive, vibrant, determined person. I think we’ve been fortunate to balance each other out. Lynn was the enthusiasm and the runaway bus and somehow, I had to be the handbrake. Regardless, this bus saw many, many roads,” said Lawrence.

In a book full of prompts and questions she filled in for her grandchildren recently, one of the pages Lynn wrote, answering the question, “What aspect of your life do you want your grandchildren to remember?”

Lynn said, “I was a happy person who loved life, had many friends and put family first. We have always been happy with what we have and did not always strive for material possessions. We have loved our one and only home for 47 years. We used the same cars with no need for better or bigger. Do your own cooking of healthy food, but most of all, enjoy life, laugh a lot and be positive.”

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