Lynn C. Nelson Bourcier's Obituary
A loving mother, amazing educator, and loyal family member and friend, Lynn Nelson, passed away on Jan. 13th 2021. She lived a full-loving life, packed with laughter, joy of learning, family, and friends. Lynn filled her life seeking life itself - in its simplest of moments and the love she found there - her relationships, stories, and experiences abound.
Lynn was a highly dedicated professional, always seeking to make a difference in new ways. Throughout her professional life as an educator, 100% in Washington, she imbued everyone around her with the beauty and love of language and sharing. Early in her 31.9 year career with Tacoma Public Schools, she dedicated her work towards teaching special needs students, and frequently brought students home to her family for meals and connection. Additionally in her career, she joined groups working to spearhead split classrooms of different age groups, wrote grants to bring more literature into classrooms, and helped literacy programs reach their potential in several schools. She made a point to occasionally shift roles and communities in order to seek new challenges, wanting to keep fresh on how she could serve most effectively. Lynn was well-known for her empathy, laugh, and ability to genuinely connect with anyone and care for everyone. In retirement, she volunteered for Pierce County Juvenile Court to advocate for youth.
As a mother, she was compassionately steadfast in wanting to harness the joy and solidarity she experienced in her youth. She regularly reflected on her childhood and loving family, with two brothers and parents who passed before her, and a piece of her heart was always saved for those building blocks of her character and upbringing. Her love of her family, nature, and faith propelled her into what can safely be called a place of wonder. Lynn was a model of growing and learning, while somehow always finding the energy to care for the rest of us.
She is still with us in our hearts and stories, and is survived by her children; Emily Bourcier, Tyler Bourcier; grandson Oly Bourcier, and nephews; Geoff, Colin, and Trevor Nelson. A service will be planned at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in Tacoma, WA.
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