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NEGAUNEE - Lynn Adele Norell, 58, a longtime Negaunee resident, passed into eternal life at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2008, at the Ostego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Mich. She had been a resident of Tendercare Gaylord Nursing Home for the past 3 1/2 years.

Lynn was born January 29, 1950, in Ishpeming to Verner and Marian (Hodge) Norell. She attended school in Marquette and graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1970. Because Lynn wanted to attend Northern Michigan University, but at the time it was not handicap-accessible, she went to the President to discuss accessibility issues. He asked Lynn to be a part of a committee to determine changes that would need to be made, and this became the start of a renovation and building project at Northern. Lynn became a student at the University and graduated in 1979 with a BA degree in Office Management. She continued working there in the Administrative Building until she was forced to retire in 1996 due to ill health.

Lynn was an inspiration to all who knew her. She overcame many obstacles in her life in order to give to others. She served on the Governor's Board for Handicapper Concerns for many years, was a member of the Board at Propylon in Marquette, was on the advisory committee to implement accessibility issues for Negaunee Public Schools, worked on Easter Seals and March of Dimes telethons, and was a member of the U.P. Spina Bifida Association. She helped many families in the Upper Peninsula who had handicapped children.

Lynn had a deep faith and was an active member at Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee. She taught Sunday school, helped teach membership classes, was a member of the R&S Hansen Circle, and became a certified Lay Speaker, preaching for pastors who had to be away from their pulpit. She also represented the church at the annual conference that took place in Adrian, Mich.

Lynn is survived by a sister, Lois Hatch of Ishpeming; a brother, Roy (Darlene) Norell of Chesterton, Ind.; a niece, Kimberly (Derek) Vincent of Des Plaines, Ill.; and 2 nephews, Dr. Eric (Penny) Norell of Normal, Ill., and Kevin (Jessica) Hatch of Traverse City, Mich. She also leaves a great-nephew, 3 great-nieces and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee, with the Rev. Eric Kieb officiating. Burial will be in Northland Chapel Gardens. Pallbearers will be Michael Haines, Kevin Hatch, Art Howard, Robert Jacka, Chuck Johnson and Lee Warner. Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be directed to Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee, or the Spina Bifida Association, 4950 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20007.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com