Lynda Saelens

Lynda Greco Saelens, devoted mother and grandmother, passed away on July 6, 2024, surrounded by her children and friends after a valiant ten-month battle with plasma cell leukemia and multiple myeloma.

Lynda was born to Edward and Francis Greco on August 13, 1949, and raised in Mount Prospect, IL. She graduated from Prospect High School and earned her Bachelor's degree Summa Cum Laude from Knox College in 1971, where she was recognized by the Mortar Board National Honor Society. Lynda furthered her education with a master's degree in education with an emphasis in Remedial Reading from Marycrest College.

During her 30 plus year career, Lynda made a profound impact helping students with reading disabilities at Saint Bartholomew Catholic School, Holy Trinity Catholic School, The Summit School, and Norwood School. Her dedication went beyond teaching; she nurtured her students' confidence and love for learning, inspiring other teachers with her unwavering commitment.

Colleagues and friends remember Lynda as "admirable and kind-hearted," "passionate and caring," and someone who made "the journey of students in need a positive one." She was a guiding light in the lives she touched.

Lynda's greatest joy was being a mother to her two children, Alyssa Saelens (Franklin Leyva) and Andrew (Kelsey) Saelens. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren, Adrian Leyva, Jack, and Molly Saelens, actively participating in their educational and character development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she battled Beltway traffic from Chevy Chase to Alexandria and back every weekday to care for her grandson, engaging him in imaginative games and activities that brought out her inner child.

She hosted memorable Christmas Eve celebrations at her home, even making an extraordinary effort during illness to ensure one last gathering. Every Christmas Eve, she gifted ornaments, a tradition she held dear. Lynda made birthdays special with a "red plate" tradition and created cherished Easter memories with her famous "Easter pizza."

In her leisure time, Lynda was an avid reader who could spend hours in bookstores. She also had a great talent for needlepoint, creating beautiful works that adorned her home and were cherished by her loved ones. Her dogs were constant companions throughout her life, providing her with comfort and joy. One of her beloved dogs sat faithfully by her side as she passed away, a testament to their deep bond.

Lynda found great joy in travel and explored numerous destinations that enriched her life. She ventured to Costa Rica for her daughter Alyssa's wedding, accompanied her brother Dan on his last flight to Madrid as a commercial airline pilot, and embarked on a cruise with a friend battling cancer. Additionally, she cherished visits to Oxford, London, and Paris while her brother Don taught in England. One particularly memorable highlight was a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, where she enjoyed special moments with her grandson when he was just one year old.

Lynda was preceded in death by her father, Edward Greco, and mother, Francis Greco. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, brothers Dan (Joyce) Greco and Donald (Debbie) Greco, and cherished nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and their parents.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 6900 River Road, Bethesda, MD on July 23rd at 11:00 am, preceded by visitation at 10:15 am.

In lieu of flowers, Lynda requested donations to the International Dyslexia Association (https://portal.dyslexiaida.org/donate) and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (https://www.luckydoganimalrescue.org/donate).