Lynn T. Runnells, 86, of Gloucester, MA, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and closest friends after a long, brave battle with cancer. Daughter of the late Francis and Irene (Lamkin) Thomas, and wife to Ernest (Ernie) Potter Runnells, Lynn was born in Hackensack, NJ, the youngest of three children, Claire Lu Thomas (deceased) and Gail Thomas Gray (deceased). A gifted artist, Lynn received a BA degree from Brown University and then pursued her art, attending classes at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Lynn and her husband, Ernie, were married on Nantucket Island, where Lynn's family had a summer residence. Shortly after the birth of their children, the family moved to the Netherlands where Lynn walked the country of the 17th-century Dutch masters, which influenced her love of landscapes and nature, along with her affinity for medieval paintings. Upon returning to Manchester, MA, from Holland, she began to express her spiritual journey through paintings. Her work was exhibited in Cambridge, Somerville, Manchester and Beverly Farms over many years.
Lynn was also drawn to the beauty of New Mexico where she became an Oblate at the Benedictine Abbey in Pecos, where she and Ernie would visit every year for many years. Lynn enjoyed walking, balancing rocks, and creating art and poetry in places that were sacred to her. She began painting her own icons as works of love that sprung from a deep belief that the Divine is present in every detail of our lives.
Lynn used her dreams as a compass to guide her life. She led and participated in several dream groups. She was a spiritual director, as well as a facilitator of creative play workshops. Her soul work and love for the natural world led Lynn to the Animas Valley Institute where she was an active member searching for ways to heal our planet. Lynn was deeply loved by her family and friends, as she encouraged acceptance, creativity and depth in others. She will be remembered for her generosity, her love of nature, and for passionately pursuing her soul path.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ernest Potter Runnells, her children and their spouses; Brad Runnells of Manchester, MA, Eric Runnells and his ex-wife, Suze Collinson Runnells of Gloucester, MA, Patricia Runnells Vaux and husband, Joe, of Los Angeles, CA, grandchildren, Georgia and Finnian Runnells, Zander and Lela Vaux, along with nieces, Ginny Gray Burkitt and Kathy Gray, and grandniece, Christine Burkitt.
A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2025 (further details to come).
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Animas Valley Institute, P.O. Box 1020 Durango, CO 81302, or plant a tree in her honor through The Nature Conservancy.
Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com
