Obituary of Lynn G. Villnave

North Lawrence - Lynn G. Villnave, 69, passed away at UVMC in Burlington, VT on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, surrounded by her family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Lynn was born on October 28, 1946 in Malone, daughter of the late Donald and Lorraine (Ashlaw) Ayers. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Malone and from Champlain College with a Business Degree. Lynn married Bruce E. Villnave on April 8, 1967 at St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence with Fr. Burns celebrating. Bruce passed away December 28, 2008. They lived in the Syracuse area for a while, then returning to N. Lawrence where they operated Ayers Tavern and the B & L Restaurant for 17 years. She was elected Town Clerk for the Town of Lawrence, continuing to hold the position for 23 years. Lynn served as secretary for the St. Lawrence County Town Clerks Association, was State Director for Municipal Clerks Association for 2-3 years, was a member of the NYS Town Clerks Association where she had served as District 9 Director and was voted Clerk of the Year in 2012 for District 9. Her family was her priority and her grandchildren were her life. Lynn's heart was as big as it could get. She loved everyone and was always there to help when someone was in need. She had the best cooking skills and made sure that everyone was fed. Her house was always open, and you could stop and enjoy a game of cards, Yahtzee, pinochle, or maybe take a trip to the casino. She had the best interests of her children and grandchildren in her heart, and in return, she had their love and respect. Lynn is survived by her children; Kevin Villnave of N. Lawrence, Scott Villnave of N. Lawrence, Donald and Tracy Villnave of N. Lawrence, and Mark Villnave and his companion, Jessica Durant of Winthrop, her siblings; Jeri and Donald Francis, Jr. of N. Lawrence, Susan Villnave of Winthrop, Jon Ayers of Brasher Falls and Donald "Chris" and Lisa Ayers of N. Lawrence, her grandchildren; Samanntha Villnave, Meghan Villnave, Mason Villnave-Malpass, Rhonan Villnave-Malpass, Theodore Villnave, Ashton Gotham, Andrew Francis and Bradley Francis, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 8 pm and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. Lynn's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be Monday at 11 am at St. Lawrence Church in N. Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Lynn's honor to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House in Burlington, VT. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.