Lynne Margaret Sheldon

Lynne M. Sheldon lived a life defined by perseverance, intellect, and quiet strength.

Lynne was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Earle and Margaret (Watts) Stevens. She had two older brothers, David and John. She was surrounded by a close-knit extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, many living nearby. From a young age, Lynne faced significant health challenges. She suffered from rheumatic fever as a child and again as a teenager, spending long stretches in hospital and missing much of her schooling. Despite this, she graduated high school as salutatorian—no small achievement for a young woman in the 1950s.

Determined and academically strong, particularly in mathematics, Lynne went on to attend the University of Rochester, studying to become a teacher—an uncommon path for someone from a family without financial privilege. It was there that she met her husband and life partner, Paul Sheldon.

After college, Lynne worked as a teacher until she and Paul welcomed their children, Steven and Amy. While raising her young family, her life journey was once again interrupted by a third bout of rheumatic fever, requiring another lengthy hospitalization.

Lynne returned to school to pursue a master’s degree. In the 1970s, she chose to study computer science, stepping into a field where women were rare. During this time, she sometimes brought her children with her to the University at Buffalo, where they amused themselves creating computer punch cards—a small but memorable glimpse into the early days of computing.

Lynne persevered and went on to work for Calspan, an independent Research and Development contractor, where she contributed to numerous projects. Among them was work on a radar system involving two Huey helicopters, a role that took her to military bases across the country. Between trips, she balanced her career with everyday family life—making dinners, driving children to lessons, and managing the rhythms of a working household—with the steady support and encouragement of Paul.

Later, Lynne stepped away from her career to care for family. She provided assistance to her Uncle Ken and his wife Marion. She stayed temporarily in Albuquerque to support her mother-in-law, Ruth Sheldon, during her illness, and remained with her until her death from cancer. Lynne also devoted significant time and energy to caring for her own mother through the long progression of Parkinson’s disease.

As her children grew into adulthood, Lynne formed a close friendship with her neighbor Adrienne. Their regular walks became a fixture of her life, and through this friendship Lynne kept active and socially engaged.

Lynne was not demonstrative by nature, but her love for her family was steady and unmistakable. She deeply loved her grandchildren—Matthew, Shawn, and Isabel. She generously cared for Matthew when Amy returned to work, a gift her family will always treasure. While her health later limited her ability to provide childcare, she and Paul cherished time spent visiting and being present in their grandchildren’s lives.

Throughout Lynne’s life she had a strong love and appreciation of music. She and Paul regularly attended Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concerts and listened to Spreckels Organ concerts.

More than fifteen years ago, Lynne’s health began to decline, and she was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—the same illness her mother had faced, though it affected Lynne differently. Over time, the disease gradually took her mobility, and later, her cognitive abilities. The final years were difficult, as Lynne slowly became less able to connect with the family she loved so deeply.

Throughout this time, Paul cared for Lynne with extraordinary dedication, sacrificing personal opportunities to ensure she received the best possible care. Because of him, Lynne was able to remain at home until her final day.

Lynne is survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Steve (Christine) and Amy (Sheldon); and her grandchildren, Matthew, Shawn, and Isabel.

No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honour Lynne’s memory to consider supporting Parkinson’s research or care organizations, or to direct their generosity in a way that reflects Lynne’s practical nature and commitment to nature and science.