Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lynn Martin Obituary
Lynn Clifton Martin
July 27, 1937 - June 29, 2025
In Loving Memory of Lynn Clifton Martin.
Caryl Lynn Clifton Newman Martin ("Lynn Martin") was a creative, joyful, and adventurous spirit who lived a vibrant and ever-evolving life. She passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Newton, North Carolina, at the age of 87.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, on July 27, 1937, and raised in nearby Wilmette, Lynn was the first child of Charles Edward Clifton Jr. and Ruth McCombs Clifton. Her younger brother, Charles Edward "Chuck" Clifton III, was her only sibling.
Following her graduation from New Trier High School in 1955, Lynn pursued her studies at the University of Illinois and Lake Forest College. These early years were filled with wanderlust. Working at a travel agency in Evanston not only allowed Lynn to embrace a "ski-bum" lifestyle in Aspen and Squaw Valley, but also to travel extensively throughout Europe and Africa.
In 1962, she moved to New York City to pursue her passion for the arts, studying ballet and acting. There she met her first husband, professional sound engineer Jerome "Jerry" Newman, with whom she had two children: Jeremy Nathaniel and Liza Merrill. Tragically, Jerry passed away in 1970, just before the birth of their daughter.
In the early 1970s, Lynn became part of a pioneering group of actors, including Olympia Dukakis and Louis Zorich, who founded the Whole Theatre Company in Montclair, N.J. This groundbreaking professional theatre and arts school became one of the first of its kind outside New York City. Lynn played a vital role as a performer, administrator and supporter of the arts. She also expressed her creativity through pottery during this time, developing a passion for working with her hands at a local kiln.
In 1974, she and her second husband, actor WT "Bill" Martin, welcomed a third child, Caitlin McMahon. After their eventual divorce in 1990, Lynn shifted her energy toward spiritual growth and healing. She trained as an Integrative Somatic Body/Mind Therapist through the Rubenfeld Synergy Method and launched a private practice in New Jersey dedicated to helping others. Lynn also volunteered as a peace activist at the New Jersey Sane/Freeze - a non profit organization opposing nuclear arms proliferation (now called New Jersey Peace Action). In her free time, Lynn practiced Tai Chi and Zen Buddhism.
Lynn later fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in Maine, finding a community by the sea in Biddeford. She finally settled in Hickory, North Carolina, in 2005 to live close to her daughter Liza and grandsons. Lynn loved being "Nana" to all of her grandchildren.
In her seventies, Lynn continued her interest in helping people, and completed training as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She went on to help countless individuals at Catawba Valley Behavioral Health, working well into her 80s.
Lynn is survived by her three beloved children: Jeremy Martin Newman, Liza Merrill Shaw (Nathaniel Shaw), and Caitlin Martin-Dorigan (Jeff Dorigan); her grandchildren: Evan Charles Shaw, Ethan Joseph Shaw, Lucy June Dorigan, and Henry William Dorigan; her brother, Charles Clifton III (Michelle Gamm Clifton); Lynn's nephew, Alex Christopher Clifton (Olga Burger) and their children: Ajax Burger Clifton and Zarja Zuzu Burger Clifton; as well as a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and kindred spirits who were touched by her wisdom, resilience, and luminous presence.
Her life was a testament to creativity, reinvention, spirituality, deep empathy, and the beauty of a soul that never stopped laughing, learning, helping, and dreaming.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley at 2 p.m., on September 6, 2025, (to attend virtually via Zoom please contact Liza Shaw at [email protected]). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Carolina Caring Hospice of Catawba Valley, rubenfeldfoundation.org, or plumvillage.org.
Lynn now dances among the stars, her spirit as vibrant and boundless as ever. We will never forget her and the enormous difference she made in her more than 87 years!
July 27, 1937 - June 29, 2025
In Loving Memory of Lynn Clifton Martin.
Caryl Lynn Clifton Newman Martin ("Lynn Martin") was a creative, joyful, and adventurous spirit who lived a vibrant and ever-evolving life. She passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Newton, North Carolina, at the age of 87.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, on July 27, 1937, and raised in nearby Wilmette, Lynn was the first child of Charles Edward Clifton Jr. and Ruth McCombs Clifton. Her younger brother, Charles Edward "Chuck" Clifton III, was her only sibling.
Following her graduation from New Trier High School in 1955, Lynn pursued her studies at the University of Illinois and Lake Forest College. These early years were filled with wanderlust. Working at a travel agency in Evanston not only allowed Lynn to embrace a "ski-bum" lifestyle in Aspen and Squaw Valley, but also to travel extensively throughout Europe and Africa.
In 1962, she moved to New York City to pursue her passion for the arts, studying ballet and acting. There she met her first husband, professional sound engineer Jerome "Jerry" Newman, with whom she had two children: Jeremy Nathaniel and Liza Merrill. Tragically, Jerry passed away in 1970, just before the birth of their daughter.
In the early 1970s, Lynn became part of a pioneering group of actors, including Olympia Dukakis and Louis Zorich, who founded the Whole Theatre Company in Montclair, N.J. This groundbreaking professional theatre and arts school became one of the first of its kind outside New York City. Lynn played a vital role as a performer, administrator and supporter of the arts. She also expressed her creativity through pottery during this time, developing a passion for working with her hands at a local kiln.
In 1974, she and her second husband, actor WT "Bill" Martin, welcomed a third child, Caitlin McMahon. After their eventual divorce in 1990, Lynn shifted her energy toward spiritual growth and healing. She trained as an Integrative Somatic Body/Mind Therapist through the Rubenfeld Synergy Method and launched a private practice in New Jersey dedicated to helping others. Lynn also volunteered as a peace activist at the New Jersey Sane/Freeze - a non profit organization opposing nuclear arms proliferation (now called New Jersey Peace Action). In her free time, Lynn practiced Tai Chi and Zen Buddhism.
Lynn later fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in Maine, finding a community by the sea in Biddeford. She finally settled in Hickory, North Carolina, in 2005 to live close to her daughter Liza and grandsons. Lynn loved being "Nana" to all of her grandchildren.
In her seventies, Lynn continued her interest in helping people, and completed training as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She went on to help countless individuals at Catawba Valley Behavioral Health, working well into her 80s.
Lynn is survived by her three beloved children: Jeremy Martin Newman, Liza Merrill Shaw (Nathaniel Shaw), and Caitlin Martin-Dorigan (Jeff Dorigan); her grandchildren: Evan Charles Shaw, Ethan Joseph Shaw, Lucy June Dorigan, and Henry William Dorigan; her brother, Charles Clifton III (Michelle Gamm Clifton); Lynn's nephew, Alex Christopher Clifton (Olga Burger) and their children: Ajax Burger Clifton and Zarja Zuzu Burger Clifton; as well as a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and kindred spirits who were touched by her wisdom, resilience, and luminous presence.
Her life was a testament to creativity, reinvention, spirituality, deep empathy, and the beauty of a soul that never stopped laughing, learning, helping, and dreaming.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley at 2 p.m., on September 6, 2025, (to attend virtually via Zoom please contact Liza Shaw at [email protected]). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Carolina Caring Hospice of Catawba Valley, rubenfeldfoundation.org, or plumvillage.org.
Lynn now dances among the stars, her spirit as vibrant and boundless as ever. We will never forget her and the enormous difference she made in her more than 87 years!
Published by Hickory Daily Record on Jul. 10, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Martin
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Lynn Martin's name
Memorial Events
for Lynn Martin
How to support Lynn's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Lynn Martin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
