Lynne Buggs

There are many words to describe the extraordinary woman that Lynne Buggs was, but the common thread woven throughout these descriptions was both her strength and her grace. Lynne didn’t dwell on the valleys in her life; rather she kept moving forward, ever focused on the peak that always lay ahead, realizing that it is in conquering one’s challenges that we become stronger. It was no secret that she adored her son and that her faith offered her the peace that sustained her each and every day. Lynne fostered a kind heart and a compassionate spirit.

Jerry and Mary Ellen (Gannon) Buggs, of St. Johns, Michigan, were blessed on November 18, 1958, with the healthy birth of their fifth child, Lynne Annette. Lynne attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and St. Johns High School where she was a cheerleader during her sophomore year. Lynne graduated from St. Johns High in June of 1977.

Lynne's spirit of adventure and love of travel led her to Tucson, Arizona where she attended Arizona State University. She returned to Michigan and attended Mid-Michigan Community College in Harrison where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. Nursing was a great fit for Lynne as she loved taking care of people and was patient with those under her care. Lynne also lived in San Diego with her sister, Mary Anne, where she enjoyed Southern California beach life. She attended Michigan State University, completed her Bachelor’s degree and earned her teaching certificate. Upon graduation, Lynne put her education to work teaching fifth grade at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing.

In addition to being a professional career woman, Lynne longed to be a mother and was thrilled with the birth of her son, Dylan, in October 1992. Lynne began working for Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and it was her love for working with senior citizens that led her to spend the rest of her career in home health and private duty nursing. Decisive, patient and dedicated, Lynne was an advocate for health and fitness with patients, family and friends.

Lynne enjoyed a variety of hobbies in her free time. She created scrapbooks and greeting cards which were unusually detailed and beautiful. The Catholic faith played an important role in Lynne’s life and she was dedicated to helping with ministry needs at St. John's Student Parish in East Lansing.

Family was of great importance to Lynne and the relationships that she shared with each and every member will be forever cherished. What Lynne's brothers and sister will remember most about her was: her strong faith and her willingness to continually share that faith and hope with others; how particular she was about her home and her appearance; her loyal friendship, generous spirit, and ability to think about others rather than herself. Lynne's courage inspired her siblings to be grateful for the blessings in their lives.

Life was not without its challenges for Lynne, however, and over the past ten years, she was afflicted with cancer. She faced her health challenges head-on and she never gave up hope and never stopped fighting .

Lynne Buggs was a woman with beauty and grace. Never content to take the easy way out of any situation, Lynne took the path less traveled, often guided by her moral convictions and devotion to the Catholic faith. She was a dedicated mother who treasured her beloved son, her patients and students throughout the years. Although her days numbered less than those who loved her would have liked, she taught them so much about life and love, leaving behind a mosaic of colorful memories which will be forever cherished. Lynne will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Lynne Annette Buggs died on May 31, 2009. Lynne’s family includes her son Dylan Smith, mother Mary Ellen Buggs; seven sisters and brothers, Karen (Bill) Pioszak, Joyce (Bob) Sherwood, Jean Buggs, Mary Anne (James) Marshall, Rick Buggs, Joe (Tam) Buggs and Tim (Mary) Gannon; and is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Buggs. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9 at the St. John’s Student Parish 327 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing with Rev. Fr. Mark Inglot officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. before the Mass at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, submit a photo, or sign Lynne’s online guest book.