In memorial: Lynn Mary (Graumer) Coffman

From the original, and reprinted with permission.

Lynn Mary Coffman, 64 of Tacoma, WA died on December 16, 2019 in Quincy, WA as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Lynn lived in the Puget Sound region for about 50 years. She was born on September 27, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She received her BA from Puget Sound University in 1979. Later in Life she returned to school to study Opticianry and received her AA from Seattle Central Community College in 1993.

Lynn taught homemaking in the Tacoma Public School system for several years. She also taught preschool before returning to school for her Ophthalmic Dispensing Technology degree. She was a retired Licensed Dispensing Optician and the Director of the Opticianry Program at Seattle Central College, where she taught for 15 years. She married Chris Coffman on May 2, 1981. Lynn was active in many groups, including the Opticians Association of Washington, Order of the Eastern Star, She supported her children in their activities, was an advisor for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls where she served as Mother Advisor of Cedar and Tyler Assemblies, was District Deputy with her husband, Chris and was awarded the Grand Cross of Color for her years of service. She was an Advisor for Tacoma Chapter Order of DeMolay and one of the first women to be given the Distinguished Advisor Award. Lynn was also an active supporter of her husband in the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington where she was actively planning for the activities for the year when her husband would be serving as Grand Master.

Lynn spent her life giving, of her time and herself. She was an excellent seamstress and made innumerable formals for her daughter and many other girls. She made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren even having to design the pattern when there was nothing available commercially. She helped many young people during difficult times and was kind with a loving ear. She always seemed to have the right words to say to be of help. She loved doing for others and spent several years working with the Seattle King County Health Clinic Optical Program.

Lynn was honored for her service by receiving multiple awards. She was named Educator of the Year by the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, was Optician of the Year and was president of the Optician’s Association of Washington, Exceptional Advisor Service Award for Seattle Central. College

Lynn gave of herself in life and in death: having been an organ donor she gave sight to two people and her other donations will help burn and accident victims as well as cancer patients.

Survived by:

Her Husband, of 38 years, Chris; Daughter Sarah Scheid, her husband Tanner, and their five children, Lucas, Natalie, Rebekah, Katelynn, and Malachi; Son Clinton Coffman, his three children Nevaeh, Annabelle, and Collin; Nephew Michael who lived with Chris and Lynn for several years. Many other family members including nieces, nephews and sister and brother in laws

Preceded in death by her parents, Mel and Lucille Gaumer, her two brothers Trip and Greg Gaumer.

Services will be held after the Holiday Season

At the family’s request please do not send flowers.

Instead please make a donation in Lynn’s name to either:

The Seattle King County Free Health Clinic. Please designate the Free Clinic or send by mail to Seattle Center Foundation, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.