Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Lynn Iverne WASNAK

Lynn WASNAK Obituary

WASNAK

Lynn Iverne (Koehler) Wasnak, 68, originally from Canton, Ohio passed away May 14, 2013 in her home in Cincinnati after a heroic battle with an illness. An accomplished writer, founder and executive director of Many Voices Press, she provided inspiration and hope for thousands worldwide. Preceding her in death were her father, George H. Koehler, mother, Katherine Iverne Golloway and sister Cherie Baily of Canton, Ohio.

She will be greatly missed by daughter, Diane Wasnak and son, Jim Wasnak. Her grandchildren, Josh, Lindsey and Emily Wasnak; sister Joan Koehler of Chicago; niece Rachel of Seattle, and nephew Daniel in Israel also survive her. She leaves many dear friends in her beloved Cincinnati as well. Lynn was a foodie who enjoyed cooking, entertaining her friends and family, flowers, and the arts. The world has lost a magnificent woman. Donations in her name may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America and the American Cancer Society. A private memorial will be forthcoming. condolesence may be sent to; www.hillsidecrematory.com

Click Here to Send Flowers

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer on May 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn WASNAK

Sponsored by Daughter, Diane Wasnak.

84 Entries

Lynn Duncan

May 11, 2025

The years without Lynn pile up. I would love to be able to talk to her about current day craziness, or about anything.

Rachel Rae Ringen - contributor

October 4, 2024

Lynn's Many Voices magazine saved my life. I have made it to 70 years old now. When I realized there were 23 of us inside one head, no one knew what to do about it even if they believed MPD was real. It was like chopping a new path through mental health to accomodate all of us. I submitted lots of things to her magazine and book. I loved her. Thank you for keeping the website up! This is very important so others can have access to LOTS of help. rrr

Shirley J Davis

May 12, 2024

It has been a long time since I saw your face and received your newsletter. I miss those days. Shirley Davis

Lynn Duncan

May 11, 2024

Another year! . Never forgotten, Lynn.

Shirley J Davis

October 9, 2023

It is hard to believe it has been ten years since you've been gone. Your community and I miss you very much. Shirley

Eve Browne

May 14, 2023

Four years have passed since I left my last message. So much has happened in that time. COVID hit, I lost two family members, many friends, my 18 year old cat, and I spent 10 months homeless. It is nice to have an anchor to think about when I get a reminder notice from Legacy and remember there is someone whose words I could hold on to and keep my feet under me. And they still do. Thank you so much, Lynn.

Lynn Duncan

May 11, 2023

Ten years! I knew it was coming up on ten because I have it in my calendar app and as i make and enter appointments I see the notation and then I think of Lynn and as I said a few years ago, things she has missed.. I suspect we'd have maybe had some zooms during the pandemic and beyond and SO much to say about the current "atmosphere".

Just reading back through all of these entries and it makes me wish for another dinner, more laughter and talk..

Lynn, you are certainly missed.

Shirley Davis

May 11, 2023

Lynn was a special lady. Although we never met in person, she influenced me to start a blog that has gone international. Thank you for your kindness, Lynn. Shirley Davis

Lynn Duncan

May 11, 2022

Diane and family. Lynn is still very much remembered and missed.

Lynda Wisdo

May 11, 2022

I think about Lynn often and so miss the sense of community that Many Voices Press brought to my life. I am grateful for the years I knew Lynn and will continue to treasure her memory in the years ahead. Many blessings to the family.

Shirley Davis

May 11, 2021

You are sorely missed, my friend, in the DID community and in my heart.

Eve Browne

May 11, 2019

I only knew of Lynn and Many Voices briefly. I wrote a response to one of her prompts once which turned out to be the beginning of my writing on a deeper emotional connection than I ever had before. I was actually impressed with it which is hard for me to do for anything I do. I credit making this albeit brief but very important connection a turning point in my life. Thank you, Lynn. Your legacy will live on for generations through the many people's lives and hearts that you touched.

Lynn Duncan

May 11, 2019

Six years have passed. So many traumatic events have occurred in that time and it would have been helpful to do many to have you around.

Those who already knew you can at least imagine what you might have said or done.

We certainly remember you like it was 6 years ago, or more likly, like it was 10 years ago, and more.

Shirley Davis

May 11, 2019

It is hard to believe you have not been among us for so long now. I believe I began writing my website and speaking in the public about DID because of what you started so long ago. I plan on carrying on your legacy in as many ways as I can spreading truthful information about dissociative identity disorder and giving hope to those like us who live its diagnosis. Thank you, Lynn, there are many who are indebted to you. You are still making a difference in 2019. Shirley

Shirley Davis

April 8, 2019

In memory of Lynn. Rest in Peace my friend.

Your Friend, Shirley J. Davis

April 8, 2019

I know you've been gone for almost 6 years now, but I wanted to say we remember you and the wonderful work you did helping people like me who live with the diagnosis of DID to thrive. Shirley D.

Daniel S

June 10, 2018

Thank you Lynn for all you have done for me and countless others. What a difference you've made in my life. My only hope is that I might make a difference in this world that's just a fraction of the good that you have brought us all. Thank you.

What a glorious day it must have been for God to welcome home one such as you!

Chelsea Schneiter

October 22, 2017

To a wonderful woman who made a big difference in my life. I am sadden by her passing and the one hope I have is that I will meet her someday in our heavenly home. Thanks, Lynn, for all you shared and hope given freely.

Eve Browne

June 26, 2017

God bless you Lynn. May your soul be at eternal ease.

Jeana

April 29, 2016

Dear Lynn, It has been almost three years and I still come here to see your face and read your words. You gave me a voice when you published my poetry. One of the many voices you gave an opportunity to share and feel understood. I know you are in a beautiful and light place and i will never forget you. thank you dear one. rest now

Georgia Sales

September 13, 2015

Thank you Lynn for all your years of tireless work to enrich and make better all our lives. You will truly be greatly missed. God has a very special place for you in heaven. I am praying for your dear family and the profound sense of loss they feel. Family please know how very sorry we are for your loss. She is so greatly missed.

Marianne Temple

September 10, 2015

Thank you so much for Many Voices it is truly a blessing and I miss it so much.

Susan Todd

September 1, 2015

May you rest in peace Lynn. May God bless you and your family from this time forward. Thank you for all your support through Many Voices!! God Bless!!

Laura Gutin

August 31, 2015

Thank you Lynn for creating an avenue for so many quieted voices to be heard. I know how incredibly hard you worked keeping Many Voices thriving. May you have found the true peace and happiness you so deserve.
Laura Gutin new jersey

Jennifer St Jude

January 21, 2015

I first found Lynn via a dear Therapist Nancy Williams back in 1994. Apparently they were friends. Lynn help me find treatment with a leader in the field Colin Ross. I was set on a journey of healing. I kept in touch with Lynn over the years and had come to love and appreciate her. She was on my heart recently. Nancy Williams had passed away from cancer. It broke my heart. I decided this evening to reach out to Lynn and let her know of her friends passing. I was deeply saddened to learn she had also passed but quietly comforted to know Nancy would have an Angel friend in heaven. To her family: please know she saved and transformed my life and the lives of countless others. Her dedication to Many Voices was an indescribable act of love that we all felt. Because of her so many were no longer alone of a often very painful journey. I am heartbroken to learn of her passing. I also wanted to tell her that i found healing and integration because of her. I will never be able to thank her enough. My sincere condolences to her friends and loved ones. Lynn lived a life that mattered and transformed saved lives. She will be greatly missed. May Her work continue. (((Hugs)))

Robin B

September 20, 2014

You will be deeply missed. Your news letters helped me, inspired me, let me know I was not alone and made my life better ! May God bless you and comfort your loved ones and those like me who will miss you very much. Thank you Lynn for making a difference for many.

Colin Ross

July 20, 2014

In thanks for all the work Lynn did for survivors and for the field.

Stephanie Giaquinto

June 29, 2014

I came to the Many Voices site to see if I could promote my poetry book about my healing journey. Many Voices, and, by extension, Lynn, of course, was there for me in the past. Thank you for your tireless work on the behalf of abuse survivors. Rest in peace, and God bless all of your loved ones here on Earth.

Pamela Pearson

June 8, 2014

Oh how I miss you, your visionary presence, your light.
Peace

May 31, 2014

Your light will remain.

Wounded Healer

May 28, 2014

Thank you for your work with survivors and for "Many Voices"

Sharon Taylor

April 14, 2014

Dear Lynn, I will miss you very much. You left big a big impression in quite an awe inspiring and valuable way. Love you and see you down the road someday. XO

Cindy Warch

April 14, 2014

I was "accidentally" led to Many Voices about 15 years ago when it became clear that my diagnosis was DID. In a panic, I started searching for any resource, any source information. What I found was Many Voices, a source of information, true, but. so much more what turned out to be a source of comfort, a gentle port in the midst of my storm. I was not alone in my struggles to understand this disorder, not alone in trying to make sense out of the horrific abuse I had sustained. Through it all, Lynn, remained the constant light of compassion, of understanding. I was deeply saddened when I learned of her passing. But, I hope that all of Lynn's friends and family can take some comfort in knowing what a true source of inspiration and caring she was for so many of us. Few are privileged enough to touch so many lives and make a difference. Lynn was such a person. We have all been blessed.

Dan

April 11, 2014

Thank you.

Anonymous Anonymous

March 29, 2014

Rest in peace friend.

[email protected]

Lynn Duncan

February 1, 2014

Diane and Jim,

I don't know what made me search for Lynn tonight; I guess I just knew and didn't want to know, though I knew things weren't going well. I had wished I lived nearby so I could drive her, as I drive many cancer patints for ACS.

I loved Many Voices way back and contributed articles and book reviews early on. It was also helpful to my therapist and we both promoted it to others.

I was able to meet Lynn here in California, when she came to visit you, Diane, and we had a great time.

I also went to the conference in Ohio and stayed with Lynn in Cincinatti a couple of times.. I got to see three of her places. We drove to the conference and I went with her to face her childhood home.

And I was able to visit overnight when I was on a two month odyssey around the country. We went for a super dinner one night and then satisfied my craving for Skyline Chili, where she had her favorite coney dog.

All of these memories bring a smile to my face, though we didn't always speak of sunshine and rainbows. She was real and honest, compassionate and caring, artisitic, talented and so smart.

She touched so many souls and hearts.

Diane, I even got to see you perform way back with the Pickle Family, here in So Cal.. and waited to say hi. She was proud of your talents, while she worried as a mother will.. and loved you both.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Nancy Dahl

January 23, 2014

To Lynn's family,
I was confused and feeling lost and I called Lynn not knowing what to expect. She was gentle and patient with me and shared the news of the publication which helped me so much. For me she was a lifeline toward my becoming more healthy. May God bless your family and I am thankful for the many people whose lives she touched. She is missed.

Barbara R

January 9, 2014

Lynn is deeply missed. Her work was profound, healing, and blessed from God's throne in heaven.

Kate E

October 15, 2013

Lynn had so much vision and compassion for others. I was out of commission myself due to health issues the first half of the year and missed that she had passed on to her next chapter in life...everlasting life! A word and phrase I came up with for how I wanted to be remembered is this: "Incandescent: Instead of sending flowers, buy a star in the sky for all the children abuse devours." I believe Lynn is an incandescent star now shining brightly from above. Her wit, wisdom, and compassion will be deeply missed.

Lynn and Many Voices was like a bouquet of flowers in my life.

Rachel Ringen

October 13, 2013

Such sad news...reading Many Voices saved me many times. Lynn's personal notes and emails to me were flashes of light! What a selfless caring woman she was. Regrets to her family.

Kirsten Harrison-Jack

September 12, 2013

Lynn likely had no idea the broad reach of her Many Voices newsletter which I as a therapist subscribed to for the last two decades. She was a true pioneer, an incredible voice for the suffering and the healing...what a cherished gift and legacy she leaves behind. Endless gratitude to her boundless energy and efforts!!!!!

Kym Kelly

July 25, 2013

So sad....I transferred to another office and was happy to return so that I could talk with her on Saturdays. ..This lady had an EXCITING LIFE!!! We the ladies at Queen City post office will miss her:-(

Leslie Shades McCabe

July 21, 2013

Dearest family of Lynn,
It is fitting that today is the day that I learned of Lynn's graduation from this life. I changed my profile on facebook and never sent a new friend request. On this first birthday for her in Heaven, I will remember her today. The lovely notes she always had, the incredible kindness, compassion and giggles she gave freely. She was a true champion and a glowing light for me as well as for so many others. I am at a loss for more words so for now....I know that she will always be in my heart and on my shoulder. Peace to family, friends, and fans. Leslie

George and Roza Glauberman

July 14, 2013

We enjoyed keeping in touch with Lynn for many
years. We will miss her very much.

Valerie Rivera

July 12, 2013

Lynn's kind, compassionate and welcoming voice was clear to me. She was able to touch me, if only by emails. Sorry for her passing.

Marjorie Isaacs

June 29, 2013

Lynn brought such a sensitive, affirmative light to living with dissociation. She provided a forum for expression and validation. My life and my clients' lives were made better through her work and her being Lynn.

Tina

June 21, 2013

Lyn has helped and supported so many people through her incredible work and writing. She has touched so many hearts including mine. May she rest in peace. God bless her family and friends.

Jens Jurgen

June 10, 2013

Dear Diane, Jim: Lynn was such a great writer. The articles she wrote for the TravelCompanions newsletter which I published for many years helped many of my subscribers. I also met her in person when she visited New York many years ago. Full of meaningful thoughts and advice.

Brenda

June 10, 2013

Lynn has left a legacy of helping others. That is what life is truly about.

My condolences to her family and dear friends who loved and cared for her. RIP Lynn W.

Patti Franklin

June 7, 2013

Lynn Was A Special Friend To So Many -Those Who Knew Her Only Through Many Voices And Those Of Us Fortunate To Know Her More Personally. Her Wisdom, Humor, And Courage Will Be sorely missed.

June 6, 2013

Lynn was one of the few people I felt totally at ease with from the time we met. What a fireball. What a contagious spirit. What a hero for anyone with trauma issues. What a hero for everyone.
Roberta from Iowa

Grandson Josh's graduation, last May

Diane Wasnak

June 4, 2013

Caroline Totten

June 4, 2013

Goodbye old friend.
My sympathy to your family.
Caroline Totten

Lynda Wisdo

June 3, 2013

I'm broken hearted to hear that we've lost such an incredible advocate and friend to the individuals whose lives have been overturned by the aftereffects of trauma and abuse. Through our many emails over the years, I truly came to see Lynne as a dear friend and will miss her terribly. My condolences to her family and the many, many friends and abuse survivors whose lives were so graciously touched by her fiercely kind and compassionate spirit.

Rosemary R.

June 3, 2013

Lynn's publishing Many Voices took great courage and integrity. It helped me a great deal. About 25 years ago I was in Cincinnati for job training and she agreed to meet me. We had dinner and shared about being survivors and how we dealt with it. She was a great woman. Thank you Lynn for all you did for so many of us.

Gary Johnston

May 24, 2013

I was privileged to have known Lynn for only the last 3 years through our Tuesday arts lunch group, the Bank Street Irregulars. She made an indelible impression. Her wit and constant smile were amazing. Her ability to deal with her condition in great detail and indefatigable optimism defined her character. To say she will be missed is an understatement. She was a jewel of the first order.

julie

May 24, 2013

A note from someone who's life was enriched by her. she led me out of the darkness of confusion into the light of understanding. Never met in person but talked on the phone a few times over the years.
She had an impact on so many lives. her friendship remains in my heart.

Felicity Lee

May 22, 2013

Lynn W - you will be greatly missed. Your hard work has helped many survivors.

Condolences to the family.

Lizabeth Casada

May 22, 2013

There are thousands who are celebrating her life from all over because she was brave enough and cared enough to share with others. She created a community where there was none and gave each member a voice. Thank you Lynn for your voice, it gave me mine back.

Sarah

May 22, 2013

Lynn will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by many. She was a kind and brave woman who helped others tirelessly in her life. Blessings on your family.

JoEllen smith

May 22, 2013

Lynn's Many Voices magazine got me through many difficult days of healing. I will treasure those magazines forever. In our last phone conversation Lynn encouraged me to pursue my art...even while she was struggling physically. what a wonderful, caring soul. I never was priledged to meet Lynn in person but I heard her smile on the phone and in her hopeful writing. -JoEllen

May 22, 2013

I very much appreciated all of her work with Many Voices. It was a great source of encouragement for me during difficult times. She will be missed.

May 22, 2013

Lynn was lovely. When I was first diagnosed with DID, her Many Voices newsletter helped me see that I wasn't alone (ha ha). She must have been a truly wonderful and strong woman. Thank you Lynn, RIP. xoxo

Sherry Prowant (Ackerman)

May 20, 2013

Diane & Jimmy~
I'm so sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a wonderful loving fun person to be around. I have great memories of her over the years and she will be greatly missed by many. Thinking of you with love and prayers

Betty Waid (Hockensmith)

May 19, 2013

Diane and all other family members...Lynn and I attended N. Industry Grade School together (same grade). I knew her well throughout our years in Canton Local Schools. She was always very kind and fun to be with. I also remember your mother being a teacher of substitute teacher. May Lynn rest in peace in her new home in Heaven!!! She had sent me her website, and I used to search through it looking for any articles by her. She was a wonderful friend in our school days, and I shall always remember her.

Family photo 1966?

May 19, 2013

maria mercn

May 19, 2013

she led us to so much healing, i can't emphasise the loss we all face. i miss you lynn.

May 18, 2013

Thank you Shirley,
I've heard many of your adventures together from long ago.
Peace to your family,
Diane

May 18, 2013

Diane,

I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. I have so many memories of her and your aunts as a child. My sympathies are with you.

Shirley (Brenner) Edwards

Larry Sansoucie

May 18, 2013

A dear woman and a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, love, and divine enfolding.

Wanda Loveless

May 18, 2013

I have many fond memories of playing hide and seek and going trick or treating and picking raspberries with Diane and Cherie. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Bob & Becky Slutz

May 18, 2013

Jim, Diane,& family, our sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

God bless you,

Heather Barr

May 18, 2013

So sorry to learn of her passing. She will be missed greatly. I never did get to meet her in person but enjoyed our phone and written conversations a lot. My deepest condolences.

Judy Solenthaler

May 17, 2013

My prays go out for you and family. God well wipe your tears away

May 17, 2013

Dear Diane, my deepest sympathies. Your mother was an amazing woman, and I will miss her very much.

Flowers for you, Miss Lynn...

May 17, 2013

What an amazing person. My dearest friend and business advocate that kept me right on schedule to accomplish all that I have achieved. Wonderful nights out with dinner and friends and fabulous discussions. Great fashion critique and lover of everything flowing and stylish. My life was so blessed the moment I met Lynn. She became a part of my family, friends and entertainment. We always had time to laugh after a good crying session. Thank you my dear lady for all you have given to me and all that knew you.

Duane Wasnak

May 17, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Therese Clemens

May 17, 2013

Loved working with Lynn. One of my favorites I got to know working at ISSTD. She generously gave me a tour of Cincinnati a few years ago as I settled my son in to school there. Rest in peace lovely lady. You defined strength of spirit.

Laura

May 17, 2013

I too has a lovely meal with Lynn, and wonderful conversations with her. Brilliant, insightful, full of gumption. She will be missed by the Irregulars and many others who subscribed to her newsletter.

Bill and Charlene Drinkuth

May 17, 2013

Diane, Lynn was a treasured member of the Classic Bookclub of the Cincinnati Public Library and our body will not be the same without her.

Jeff Raz

May 17, 2013

Diane,

Remembering you mother makes sad and makes me smile. My heart goes out to you, your brother and the rest of the family in these days of loss and love.

Nancy Utterback

May 17, 2013

What a great lady ! Although those left on earth will miss her, heaven has just
welcomed a wonderful lady !

May 17, 2013

Diane, Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed dinner with your mom on a few occasions.
May goodness surround you and your loved ones through these times. Maureen

May 17, 2013

Diane, I only met your mother once, but what a sweet, wonderful woman she was! I know how close you were and how much you loved her. Take it a day at a time and let yourself cry-she'll always be nearby.

Showing 1 - 84 of 84 results