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Lynne Olver Obituary
AGE: 57 •
Lynne Martin Olver passed away on April 14, 2015 at the age of 57 following a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Lynne was born on March 10, 1958 in Mineola, New York. She graduated from the University at Albany with a master's degree in Library Science in 1980. She married her best friend, Gordon Olver, in 1981. Together, they raised two children, Jason and Sar ah, in Randolph, New Jersey where they have lived for 24 years. Lynne is survived by her husband, son, daughter and son-in-law, Mark Frank lin, as well as her sister and sister-in-law, Janice Martin and Sandra Auestad.
Lynne has worked at Morris County Library since 1991 as a reference librarian and ultimately became the director of the library in 2009. During her tenure at Morris County Library, she developed a passion for food history. In addition to her career, she became one of the preeminent food historians in the nation and built a renowned online research database entitled Food Timeline (foodtimeline.org). She has been published in several periodicals for her expertise in food history and has done numerous newspaper and radio interviews. Other honors and awards she has received include Saveur 100 and NY Times Librarian of the Year (2002). She was a contributor to Oxford University Press, Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America and a consultant to America's Test Kitchen / Harvard Common Press. She was also a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Culinary Historians of New York. Lynne was a devoted, selfless, and loving wife and mother who put her family above all else. She loved to travel, explore, and learn. Some of her favorite destinations included: Lake Tahoe, Highline in NYC, Zion and Yellowstone National Parks, and Muir Woods. Among her other passions were rare cookbooks, historical museums and landmarks, hiking, wine tastings, cooking, and her beloved cats.
Memorial Visitation at Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph (Tuttlefh.com) on Friday, April 17, 2015 from 5:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9:00AM - 10:00AM. Memorial Service at the funeral home on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests dona tions made to the Worldwide Bone Marrow Registry at www.Bethematch.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lynne Olver
Karen Hochman
April 12, 2020
Lynne, I think of you every week as I visit FoodTimeline.org. There arent enough ways to thank you for the legacy you left the food community. We will always remember you with gratitude and love.
Barbara Such
February 24, 2016
Lynne was a brilliant, passionate researcher and helped us all navigate through databases and job seeking minutiae. Her compassion and knowledge carried many from my professional group to be more confident and hopeful. I will miss her and her graciousness, joyful soul and guidance. BRAVA!
Karen Hochman
August 24, 2015
I was just about to drop Lynne a note when I discovered she had passed. I knew Lynne professionally through her invaluable FoodTimeline.org website, and know that her loss will be felt by the many food writers and editors who benefited from it. If I can help in any way to continue her legacy, please let me.
With deepest sympathy,
Karen Hochman
Susan Drexel-Paisley
June 8, 2015
I am so sorry to hear this, Gordy.
I enjoyed knowing both you and Lynne at SUNY Albany. Judy just let me know.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine Lichatz
May 24, 2015
I have known Lynne since 2009, in the capacity of a correspondent and collaborator. We met via her wonderful Food Timeline as I developed recipes for my small company. Her research and communication on my behalf lent an authenticity to the products I've developed. We enjoyed being food geeks! Lynne's enthusiasm in her work and encouragement of my effort are proof the human spirit can indeed transcend electronics to arrive at the heart, often by way of the mind & tastebuds! I think of her often when making particular recipes (she looked forward to her cookie samples). My heartfelt condolence to all her family. I feel sad she had to travel through a difficult illness, but believe she was up to the challenge of reaching her peace on the other side of it. In Gratitude for Lynne and her legacies, with kind regards to those close to her. Christine Lichatz
Kate Cone
May 21, 2015
I am just finding out today about Lynne's passing. I knew her through her reference work for Food Time Line. Every question I asked her was answered so quickly and in a friendly way. I truly treasured her friendship, even though it was only an online acquaintance. I offer my deepest condolences to her family...she was a special lady and I will miss her. Kate Cone, Waterville, Maine
Jim Chevallier
May 17, 2015
I knew Lynne only through her invaluable Food Timeline - and through the fact that as soon as I announced my little volume on the croissant, she bought a copy. I was just interviewed about its contents recently and have otherwise gathered enough credits to consider myself a food historian. But when I first contacted Lynne, I was very tentative in what was to prove my new field and very gratified by her matter-of-fact welcome and support. I would already have been grateful to her had I only used her resource, but I am all the more grateful now that I had some actual interaction with its creator.
I had no idea she was sick and thought of her as a sure, enduring presence. I am so sad to hear of her passing and so sorry for the loss to her loved ones.
Gratitude for a Storybook Friendship
Laura Martin Bacon
May 16, 2015
When a friend emailed me Lynne's obituary today, I felt as though one of the most shining stars in the galaxy had gone out. There are no words that can capture the loss of Lynne's radiance here in this world.
From the moment I "met" her online about a decade ago, I knew she was truly an "out of this world" person.
As I'm sure must be true with many of her friends, I met her through the Food Timeline when I was doing research for a culinary project. And, as I've heard mutual friends say, I also thought she was a whole all-star, World Series team of stellar humans -- I had no idea one person could achieve so much while being so wise, funny, down-to-earth & ever-insightful.
After several chains of email correspondence, I asked: "Hey, Food Timeline, how many of there are you, anyway? It sounds like you guys have a huge staff with extensive resources!"
"Nope," came the reply. "It's just me."
And a years-long long-distance friendship was born. Of course, Lynne could never be "just me."
She was so many things to so many people. After I learned that the Food TImeline wasn't a busy "Elves and the Shoemaker"-style research library, I never failed to be astounded by her curiosity, knowledge and unfailing ability to deliver answers overnight.
After years of unforgettable email correspondence, we finally met at the IACP conference in New York back in 2012.
We spent a magical day together, first having grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup at what Lynne called "my favorite place on earth" (The Green Table in Chelsea). After lunch we explored a treasure trove of culinary shops & strolled the High Line. Every moment was filled with fun, laughter and conversation about conceivable subject.
Like Lynne, that day will live in my heart and imagination forever. I feel so fortunate to have known her.
To her family, I send my love and wishes for a life filled with the magic and joy I know Lynne left inside you. Please know that I'm thinking of you -- thank you for sharing your amazing wife/mom/sister/cousin with me.
With all my love and deepest compassion,
Laura (LMB)
PS I'm attaching the "thank you" photo I sent to Lynne for that time-out-time day we spent together.
Mar Christiano
May 4, 2015
I was so sorry to learn of Lynne's passing. She was always so helpful to me... I remember she loved talking about her cookbooks and the fabulous cookies she brought to share... I remember her laughing, so happy.... My condolences to her family.
April 19, 2015
MUCH TOO LONG A SEPERATION OF OUR FAMILY--WE FOLLOWED HER CAREER VIA HER FATHER AND WAS ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY HER WORK. BLESSINGS TO GORDY,JASON AND SARA. AUNT DORRIE AND UNCLE FRANK HAIBON
April 19, 2015
Gordy, Jason, Sarah, Janice and Sandra,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere sympathy.
Cousin Debbie Haibon (Bifulco) and Family
April 18, 2015
A MORE FORTHRIGHT,DOWN-TO-EARTH, GROUNDED PERSON NEVER EXISTED. IT WAS A PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH HER.
Gerry Molyneaux, co-worker, West Hartford Public Library
Beth Kassay
April 18, 2015
Dear Gordy, Jason and Sara,
I am so very saddened to hear the news of cousin Lynne. It has been too long since we have seen each other. Lynne is forever in my childhood memories, as are many holiday dinners. She has left her mark with her wonderful children and life work.
Find peace.
Cousin Beth Kassay and family.
Martha Church
April 18, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Lynne when she worked at the West Hartford Public Library in West Hartford, Connecticut. She was one of the smartest, most efficient, and all-round best librarians I've ever known.
Marylou Menconi
April 18, 2015
The kindness of Lynne Olver will always be remembered. The library folks were not just employees but like an extended family.
Lynne enjoyed treating us with goodies. But she was also someone who you could share private talks with. Many of us (if not all) will miss her. God bless you and may your spirit find great joy and peace.
April 16, 2015
Jason, we are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Our hearts go out to you. Sarah & Doug Prawdzik
April 16, 2015
MY DEAR JASON, I AM SO SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. A MOTHER IS A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE FAMILY SHE IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. I KNOW HOW HARD THIS IS FOR YOU RIGHT NOW., BUT PLEASE KNOW THAT IF THERE IS ANYTHING AT ALL I CAN DO LET ME KNOW. DONNA TODARO
LISA MARTIN
April 16, 2015
THIS CANDLE IS FOR LYNN MARTIN OLVER
LISA MARTIN
April 16, 2015
I AM GOING TO MISS HER SO MUCH AND SHE WAS THE BEST CO-WORKER I AM HAPPY THAT I NEW HER LONG TIME AT THE MORRIS COUNTY LIBRAY
April 16, 2015
With sincere sympathy on your loss
Jean Kluft
One Stop Career Center
Morristown, NJ
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