Lynne Freitas Lynch
1958-2022
There was one bullet point at the top of Lynne Freitas Lynch’s to-do list: leave the world better than you found it. Lynne was an outlier, one of those uncommon individuals who brought light to shadow and kindness to pain. She was thoughtful, empathetic and selfless. She was everyone’s best friend.
Lynne was born and raised in San Rafael, a small town in Marin County, CA. She grew up with her parents Elliott and Lorraine Freitas and five brothers and sisters: Karen, Mark, Teresa, John and James. She attended Terra Linda High School and received her BA from San Jose State.
Lynne began her radio career in San Francisco before moving to Miami to work for Joe Robbie and the Miami Dolphins. She returned to the Bay Area and joined the ad sales team at KSAN. To spend more time with her daughter Christina, Lynne created a job-share arrangement with her good friend Geri Thomas. “The Twins,” as they were affectionately known throughout the industry, moved to KNBR where Lynne returned to selling sports.
Lynne met Mike Lynch at the 2006 KFOG KaBoom outdoor concert. They married in 2008 and she retired from the radio business two years later. In between she inherited a Cavalier King Charles named Charlie who became her constant sidekick and protector. For the final 12 years of her life Lynne traveled, hiked, gardened, read, cooked, volunteered at Hospice, delighted in babysitting her grandkids, and became a front row fixture in Pilates and Yoga classes at Elan Fitness and the YMCA.
Lynne was especially devoted to her family: daughter Christina Yermanov, her husband Artem and their two children Niko and Dima; stepson Greg Lynch, his wife Monica and their two children James and Kiera; and stepson Scotty Lynch and his wife Kat.
We love you Lynne. Your inner warmth and outward joy will be missed by all.
Donate to Hospice By The Bay in Lynne’s Honor
Share Your Memories
If you have additional photos or videos to share with Lynne’s family, please email them to [email protected].
Get thousands of clicks per month from Google, Bing and other search engines with less than $10 per day.
No SEO and no PPC.
Flat fee per keyword.
All I need from you is a list of desired keywords and I’ll send you traffic quotes and details within 24 hours.
You can get more information and do online demo on our website.
To Friends and Family,
My name is Madison and I am the niece of Lynne and Granddaughter to Lorraine Freitas. If you knew Lynne, you also knew she had a spectacular mother, Lorraine, who raised six beautiful children. Once those six kids started having kids of their own, that’s where the fun started: annual holiday parties, Easter bunny and Santa suits for all the kiddos, enjoying the deluxe pantry at Grammy and Poppy’s house, and so so much more. If I had to describe growing up as a Freitas it goes a little something like this; we care a lot (like a lot, a lot) for one another, make a little too many inappropriate jokes, you always have to bring a good bottle of wine or Poppy’s favorite beer to the function, you always respect others but also push the boundaries when it comes to having a good time (shoutout to Uncle John and dearly departed Aunty Lynne). What an honor it has been to be apart of such a strong tribe.
Today at 11:10 am, Lorraine Freitas (or as I call her, Grammy) joined our angel Lynne and Auntie Karen in heaven. I want to take a moment to acknowledge these inspirational women and how they have touched so many of our lives. There is a hug sized hole in the Freitas’s hearts. These three women were epitome of courageous, selflessness, and resilient.
Words cannot describe the pain felt today with the loss of Grammy. I know our girls are looking down at my mom and I and wishing they could be drinking wine with us right now.
Thank you to everyone who has been apart of the Freitas journey. Thoughts and prayers to our beautiful angels, Lorraine, Karen and Lynne.
Love you forever and always,
Madison
So beautiful and well written Madie!!! Love you all.
Happy Birthday Lynnie.
I think of you often. I see a Toyota Juke that looks like yours and think of you. I walk by the house on Brookside every morning and think of you. You made everyone smile. You had a way about you that was infectious. I was so blessed to know you and loved to watch you do your magic on people. You were so giving and always helping people, but you were not a pushover. There was a fire in you that made you who you were. Thanks to Mike, for marrying you so you moved into “the hood.” And thanks to our dogs Charlie and Bando, whom without them, we would not have met. There will never be another one like you Lynnie. A toast to you, my friend. Miss you and feel so blessed to have had you in my life. Xoxo, Ellen
I met Lynne in the parking lot at the YMCA on a rainy day. We took the same yoga class each week. She had seen the Scituate bumper sticker on my car and pulled her car next to mine, rolled down the window, and asked if I was from Scituate. We had a fun chat about her husband Mike and I being from the same town, all while being pelted with rain. We then continued to chat at every yoga class after. I am sorry I never got to meet Mike and explore a friendship with Lynne. I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful and vibrant woman. The yoga class is not the same without you.
It was always “Lynnie”. Although we lost touch, I’m sure that, even after some 15 years of not seeing each other, Lynnie & I would’ve picked up exactly where we left off, laughing, reminiscing, catching up, high energy, each knowing that our bond, our mutual respect and fondness for each other, was set years ago, never to be diminished by time or circumstance. What a special place that is—a friend for life, My deepest sympathy to the beautiful Freitas family.
I keep expecting Lynne to drive up in her little Juke, with her big smile. I keep wanting to share my newest project. Lynn was such a blessing!
Lynne loved life! She nurtured friendships, gardens, family, kumquat trees, dogs, grumpy aunties, parents, friends and strangers. What a gift to be in her orbit.
We often chatted about life approaches. She and Mike strived to do the right thing – not diminishing others or taking advantage of situations.
Lynne was a warrior, facing brain surgery, and life in general fearlessly and honestly.
Lynne was also a teacher. She confronted mortality with wisdom, compassion and courage. She often spoke of the need to embrace life fully, because it is precious and there are no guarantees. Lynne lived without regrets.
Lynnie blessed us all, and lives on through her strength, compassion, joy and love – and her zest for life. I miss her so much every day!
Posting this for my mom-
Hi Lynne, It’s Kathy and so excited the mojito mint is back. I will find a special place in the garden for a patch to grow for you, and toast your beautiful life with a cool minty drink in the garden we both love. Much love♥️
Lynne was my adorable cousin. We were a year apart in age. We spent many family holidays together as children. My family and I are heartbroken over her sudden passing. She was known in our family as the green eyed beauty who could sell ice to an Eskimo. She was a dynamic human being and influenced so much happiness in the world.
I am related to Lynne on my mother’s side. We are three large families who have lived in the Bay Area since the early 1950’s. Our grandparents, Ed and Jessie Freitas hosted many family Easter and Thanksgiving holidays at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. We loved these family gatherings. It was a site to behold! Fifteen grandchildren all dressed in our Sunday best, rolling in the grass, looking for Easter eggs or waiting very patiently in the very, very long turkey buffet line. Those days are my best and fondest memories of Lynne. She was such a kind and thoughtful child. She was usually the first in the bunch to have an idea and lead us on an adventure. And, she was the first in the bunch to grab your hand if you needed a lift. In many of our family photos, Lynne has her arms around someone. I can still hear her infectious laugh.
She had a special bond with her parents Lorraine and Elliott and siblings, Karen, Mark, T.C., James and John. My family has always admired the Freitas’ unwavering ability to support one another during the good times and the bad. We know that when one of them is hurting, they’re all hurting. We know the void Lynne has left in their lives runs deep.
My family and I recently gathered to reminisce about Lynne and to talk about the imprint she left on the world. We all agreed, she was like no one else and possessed a unique ability to connect to others. If you had the good fortune to be her friend, colleague or family member, you were most likely forever changed by knowing her. It has been wonderful reading all the posts left on her behalf. It is so evident that Lynne’s selflessness, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for life impacted the lives of many.
So to our cousins; Mark, T.C, James & John; Auntie Lorraine & Uncle Elliott; Mike and Christina; and to the entire extended Freitas family, we send our heartfelt condolences and love. We toast your special Lynne on a job well done. She was a gift and will never be forgotten.
With love, Auntie Sharon & Cousins Paul, Doug, Jan, Erin, Cory & Gretchen
Rick and I met Lynne while living in San Rafael. She became our next door neighbor after she and Mike sold their home in San Anselmo. Our friendship blossomed quickly! Rick and I always enjoyed sharing impromptu cocktails in our back yards, a lunch or dinner or just a chat with Lynne and Mike. I don’t know if I have ever met a kinder or more generous compassionate person. She was honest and true and you always knew what you were going to get from Lynne. Nothing but love and friendship guidance and understanding when you needed it not to mention a few good laughs. She will be missed by many and we are so grateful that she came into our life. Sadly we wish it had been a lot sooner and we are heartbroken that she left way to soon. Nancy and Rick Raggio
I loved Lynnie Lynch. How could you not?
Lynne came into my life as a result of that brilliant and suave move by Michael Lynch while waiting in line for a KFOG Kaboom concert.
I scrutinized Lynne with the critical eye you use to size up the new “plus one” trying to detect those hidden flaws but came up empty!
She was that good, a gem, bright, personable, funny, curious and kind to a fault.She and Michael clicked and our lives were enriched as a result.
They fit together like two pieces of a jig saw puzzle neither changing who they were but complementing and supporting each other.Lynne’s life was full with many friends and family and yet when she moved to SanAnselmo she & Charlie became the Brookside ambassador’s.
She affectionately (I think)called me “Cousin Ellen “ and welcomed all Michael’s loosely connected relatives and cast of characters into her home with open arms.
She upped my game on food and wine and inspired me by what great sanctuary you can create with gardening.Lynne was a caretaker and a planner.
Impressively she retired at 50 but went right to work preparing for the next inevitable challenges in life by becoming a hospice volunteer.
She was always there if you needed her. She faced her own health challenges with intelligence and a courage that I have rarely witnessed.
Lynne had an exceptionally tight bond with her daughter Christina and great relationships with her step-sons Greg and Scotty.
She was relishing being grandma “Coco” to her four grandchildren. It is so sad.
Who knew the woman with the biggest heart in the world had a weak blood vessel.
We will miss you terribly Lynne!
We are so grateful to all who have called, texted, sent cards, donated to charity and shared memories of Lynne. Your words have power, your stories bring comfort. It is moving to hear how Lynne affected the world at large and each of you personally. She was remarkable and unique.
On Saturday we had a family gathering to celebrate Lynne. It was sad, but also joyful and comforting. For a few precious hours, four generations ate, drank and reminisced about our beloved Lynnie. She will forever be missed.
Lynne was sunshine, wisdom and love all wrapped into a tiny ball of energy. She started out as our landlady when we rented her home and grew into a friend as the years passed. Our sons loved her, she knew the plumber who knew her twin brothers, even the contractor was her friend. Lynne was the center of it all. The last time I enjoyed Lynne’s company was in yoga class at the YMCA. She was sitting in the middle of the studio talking to two ladies and the instructor. That was Lynne, right in the center!
Mike said there was only one Lynne and boy is that true. When Lynne talked about Christina and the rest of her family, the love she had for them shined. We wish her family comfort and hope their memories of Lynne bring joy. Lynne was truly one of a kind. We cherished her and will miss her.
I met Lynne at the YMCA where I teach yoga. She was a vibrant light in the room and we all loved her energy. She took my yoga and my strength training classes at the Y and she was always very enthusiastic about learning new poses and always up to the challenge with the weights, but most of all she was the one that everyone knew in the room just because she would engage with them all and wasn’t shy to come up to someone introduce herself and strike a conversation. I believe that God send angels to earth to touch peoples lives with kindness, compassion, and love and Lynne was one of them. I wish I had more time to know her outside the yoga room…
Go in Peace Lynne you have touched me, and many others, with your light and for that I THANK YOU. I will miss you but I will always remember you and your smiling face.
Clara Gray
i am terribly saddened to learn of Lynne’s passing. I worked at
KFOG when she and Geri were at
KNBR. They were an amazing team and were generous with advice
and help. I’m sending hugs and thoughts to her family, Mike and friends. It is such a loss.
I don’t even know where to begin. Lynne was my big sis, my best friend, my confidante and my perennial cheerleader. This loss has rocked me to my core. What gives me solace is that I knew how much she loved her life and family. She would always mention how grateful she was for all of it. She had a daily mantra that included gratitude for her life and all those she loved. Her optimism was infectious and she never took anything for granted. I loved her goofiness, her humor, the way she made everyone feel at ease. She was a total lightweight and I would laugh at our conversations after she had 2 glasses of wine. We would talk about kids, books, curtailing our curly hair, or the latest deal she found at Nordstroms. Every year she would buy me a pair of my favorite Munki Munki jammies. We both loved jammies.
She had this incredible gift to soothe people in moments of pain or adversity. When I was 8 and she was 11, we rode our bikes down to Cala Foods in Marinwood. We came upon a terrible accident at the intersection and a woman was lying on the ground in shock. Lynne sat with that woman consoling her until the ambulance arrived. She was born with an ability to bring calmness to fear.
Like most kids back in the day we weren’t allowed to date until age 16 so when Lynne got her first boyfriend my mom liked me to tag along with them. I’m sure this was her way of preventing them from reaching 2nd base but not once did Lynne object or make me feel excluded.
No matter what was going on in her life, she always had time to listen to me, to help me, guide me. We experienced some amazing travels together throughout the world and wherever we were she attracted people. It amazed me.
I will forever be grateful for the way she took care of our parents and how fiercely loyal and protective she was with our dearly departed sister, Karen.
She was the playful aunt with my kids. Once on a trip to Hawaii she took Madie and Sean trespassing in an area that was off limits. It was an adventure they will never forget.
The best part of Lynne’s life was the relationship she had with her husband, Michael, and her daughter Christina as well as all their grandchildren. She loved them beyond words.
You lived a rewarding life big sis and gave back to so many of us. I will forever miss you.
Until we meet again.
I miss Lynne so much. She was my gym rat partner Always saving my spot and setting up my weights She was a shining light in the class and we had so much fun together. I sometimes feel she’s still in the yoga room and other classes we were doing
I miss you and think about you every day
Aline ❤️🌈🌈😇
My dear Lynne … this one cuts so deep I’ll never get over it!
I remember distinctly getting a call from TC one day when I had just started working at KNBR in the early ’90s saying that her sister was coming to town from Florida and asked if I would take her to a Warriors game or something to welcome her to the Bay Area. Having been close to TC from my KLOK days and then later John while he was at KFOG, I thought: how many great Frietas’ can there be? I had to find out. Well, there was clearly another one upon meeting Lynne. What a bundle of energy and fun and wicked smart to boot.
Fast forward years later when the great Julie Kahn became our Director of Sales at KNBR and told me that she was brining the “Twins” to come to work at KNBR to sell sports. They came running in to meet with me and Lynne told me all about her time selling Dolphins radio and that her favorite thing to sell was “halftime.” I didn’t have the heart in that moment to tell her there was no halftime in baseball and wondered what the hell Julie was thinking. It didn’t take long that’s for sure to find out. I got teased mercilessly over the years about how they were my favorites and I shouldn’t play favorites and that they could absolutely do nothing wrong in my book. ALL of it was true! They were simply the most tenacious, competitive, smart duo with integrity and character and personality through the roof. They made it so much fun it was unfair!
What they never knew was the impact they had on ME in my sports management career. Back in those days, it was unimaginable that two women, doing a job share, could so dominate the sports selling landscape. Much like their mentor Julie, they never needed to really understand sports per se in terms of the games themselves, but they SURE understood the value it brought fans and sponsors alike. Totally changed the way I approached selling sports. They always said how grateful they were to learn how to sell sports from me, but deep down the opposite was true.
I hadn’t had the pleasure to speak with Lynne that much over the past few years, but thought of her often. Personally and professionally, I loved her deeply and so hurt I never got another chance to let her know that. To Tina, Mike, her parents, TC, John and the entire wonderful Freitas family, my deepest condolences and love to you all! RIP my Lynne! xoxo
Lynne was one of my closest friends growing up in Marinwood. We met at St. Isabellas where we both went to elementary school and were in a car pool with the Freitas’. Oh the fun we had and the spark, whit and sheer fun of Lynne that so many have commented on was evident with her as a child.
Lynne’s talent in sales started way back when she was ~13 and we both started a business together owning and operating a snack bar at the community pool. We purchased candy, hot dogs, chips and drinks and Lynne used her charm to get the word out and we were the most popular stopping ground in the neighborhood. I handled the business side, Lynne the sales and marketing and we ran that snack bar for 3 summers and spent every day together.
Lynne forever will have a big place in my heart. Even though we went years without talking, she was always there for me. From all the fun we had as kids through the day I got married and celebrating the life of my mother after her passing — she was part of my most important life moments.
I love you Lynne. Have fun with Karen up in heaven and continue watching over all of us. Until we meet again.
Your friend forever.
I’m so incredibly sorry to about Lynne passing. I will never forget how much fun we had doing events at MC. You were such an amazing mom and friend. You will be missed by so many. You are now an angel watching over your family ❤️