Obituary of Lynn McNamara Hoadley

Lynn McNamara Hoadley, 82, of Applewood Estates in Freehold, NJ, formerly of Gilbertsville, NY, died peacefully on March 4, 2022 at CentraState Medical Center. Born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ, Lynn attended Ridgewood High School and was a National Merit Scholar. She met the love of her life, Garrick Hoadley of New Berlin, NY, on a blind date at Skidmore College where she studied Chemistry. Although she was admitted to Radcliffe College to the Masters of Arts in Teaching program, she withdrew to marry Garrick and traveled the world with her growing family as the wife of a naval officer. Highlighted duty stations to which they were assigned included Glasgow, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Midway Island and Cheltenham, England. Upon Garrick’s retirement from the Navy in 1980, she and her family moved to Gilbertsville, NY where she operated a bookkeeping and tax preparation business for almost 40 years. At times she accepted candlesticks, chickens, or pizza for payment. Her work was truly a community service. During their years in Gilbertsville, they continued to travel, enjoying many parts of the world including Ireland, Alaska, and Japan. Second only to their home, Locust Knoll, they loved their summer cottage, DotSea, in Georgetown, Maine. For many years they spent a good portion of the summer enjoying the crashing waves, lobster and time there together with family. Lynn was an active member of Christ Church, Gilbertsville, NY and served in various ministries including: Vestry, Treasurer, Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women, St. Afterschool, Beaver Cross camp, and Sunday school. She was an Associate of the Order of the Sisters of St. Margaret in Utica, NY. In the community she served as Treasurer for the Gilbertsville Free Library and helped establish the Butternut Valley Food Pantry. She cared deeply about democracy and volunteered as a poll worker for several years. In 2017 Lynn was recognized for her Outstanding Contributions to the Community by State Senator Boehlert. Lynn was passionate about her many hobbies. She could often be found in the kitchen whipping up a new gourmet recipe (Garry was on dish duty!), growing something unique in her organic garden, knitting a complex new pattern, tending chickens, learning Latin, or reading fantasy and sci-fi novels. Lynn loved Newfoundland dogs and the New York Times crossword puzzle. Lynn made everyone feel accepted and loved. Her commitment to service was felt by her friends, family and community. She had a deep empathy for others and a lifelong spiritual quest for meaning and peace. Her kitchen table was a welcoming place for anyone in need of comfort. She never stopped questioning, learning or growing. Lynn faced challenges head on and was incredibly self reliant. As her mother always said, her first words were, “Me do it me own self.” She was a colorectal cancer survivor of over 25 years and never let her physical health slow her indomitable spirit. Lynn is survived by her husband of over 60 years CDR Garrick L. Hoadley, USN Ret.; children Margaret Tweten (Kurt), Garrick Hoadley Jr. (Sarah), Daniel Hoadley (Crystal Monkman); grandchildren Anna Tweten, Erik Tweten (fiancé Alexa Cavaseno), Garrick T. Hoadley, Nathaniel Hoadley, Elizabeth Hoadley, Bryn Hoadley; nieces and nephews James Ryan (Katie), Tracy Morrison (Paul), Claire Krumm (Tim); extended grandkids Will, Sam, Ben & Phebe Ryan, Megan & Emily Krumm, Matthew & Ryan Morrison; sisters-in-law Nancy Hoadley and Mary McNamara. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents Edward & W. Margaret (McGuill) McNamara; brother Alan McNamara; nephew Brian McNamara; brother-in-law Gregory Hoadley. In lieu of flowers, Lynn requested donations be directed to Building Crossroads (https://www.stpetersfreehold.org/crossroads with memo to Lynn Hoadley Memorial Fund) or the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be at Higgins Memorial Home from 4-7pm on Friday, March 11, 2022. A service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Freehold, NJ at 11am ET on Saturday March 12, 2022 and also live-streamed on YouTube at St. Peter’s Church Freehold. Internment will be at St. Andrew’s Church, New Berlin, NY at a later date.