Obituary
Lynne Deborah Foster Haines, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, unexpectantly passed away October 17, 2025 in The Villages, FL at the age of 71. Born October 6, 1954 in a segregated wing of a hospital in Washington, DC, Lynne lived life to its fullest; positively touching many souls along the way.
Lynne was a retired Montgomery County Maryland middle school teacher, where she taught History and Technology. However, teaching was her second career. She managed several Hechinger Company hardware stores in the Washington, DC and Maryland areas before they went out of business. She turned the closing of all the Hechinger stores into an opportunity to finish her bachelor’s degree and go into teaching. She of course did not stop there and continued her higher education by earning a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Technology.
In addition to her work, Lynne often said, “Yes” to volunteering her time and sharing her skills and knowledge with those around her. She was an active member of whatever community she lived in. Lynne was the Girl Scout troop leader for a Brownie troop, Juniors troop, and Seniors troop. She was a softball coach, both for a high school recreation league, and for her middle school’s teachers’ league. In Jack and Jill, she created a black history tour of Maryland and led several groups on this tour. Most recently she was going to be the Co-President of the Foster family reunion.
After retirement Lynne and her husband moved to Florida where she led a social and active life. Lynne was a member of The Spicy Ladies (women’s support/philanthropic group), The African American Club, The Literary Club (TLC), Leatherneck Warriors (dragon boat racing), and Club Cuisine (international food club). Lynne continued her acts of service by volunteering to plan galas and activities, and walk in parades for these clubs.
Lynne leaves behind her two daughters, Kelly (Anthony) Wise and Jennifer Haines; her stepson John Patrick (Anthony Montemurro) Haines; her three granddaughters and two granddogs. She is also survived by her two sisters, Jill (Greg Howie) Foster and Lauren (Howard Wilson) Foster; her brother-in-law, Vernon L. (Laurel René) Cowell; and her many nieces and nephews.
Lynne left a lasting impression on those that met her, from her intellect to her caring nature and good sense of humor. She will be missed by many and remembered through the sharing of her legacy by family, friends, and the village she created. Her memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of life will be held for Lynne in both The Villages, FL and Odenton, MD.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family encourages donations to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, which services the community where Lynne’s daughters reside. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
Leave a reply