Lynn Gonias

Full Name: Lynn Gonias
Date of Death: Monday, November 24, 2025

7/8/1950 – 11/24/2025

Lynn was a born and raised New Yorker, a long-time resident of Fair Lawn, NJ, a proud single mother to three children; Lauren, Jason, and Stephanie -a role she approached with love, and resilience, a widow to her first husband, Roy Gonias, and a loving partner to her life partner Kevin Doran for over 30 years. Lynn was a beloved little sister to Renee Lewin, whom she talked to on the phone nearly everyday. She loved her four grandchildren Magnolia and Jacob Grimshaw and Scarlett and Jack Gonias. Lynn had many other close family including nieces, nephews, cousins and her sister-in-law Fran Horowitz. Lynn also had many life-long friendships and was a cat parent many times over, including taking in homeless stray cats.

Born in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood to Phil and Belle Gertz, Lynn grew up alongside her sister Renee, enjoying summers at Rockaway Beach, time spent playing outside, and visiting their father's store. She met her first husband, Roy Gonias, in New York, and together they settled in Fair Lawn, where they raised their three children. After Roy's passing in 1990, Lynn became a single parent and was always very proud of the children she raised for so long on her own.

In 1994, Lynn met her life partner, Kevin Doran, at a dancing dating event, and they remained together for over 30 years. Their partnership was marked by companionship, humor, and a shared enjoyment of daily life routines, watching tv and listening to music together and occasional adventures.

Lynn had a curious mind and a strong sense of empathy. She was a proud liberal who cared deeply about current events, frequently listened to NPR, and regularly read the news and novels-sometimes even writing letters to the editor. She very commonly fell asleep with her radio by her side playing talk radio. She enjoyed staying informed, and thinking about the world around her, saying that she always rooted for the underdog.

Lynn worked as a paraeducator in Wayne, NJ for many years, supporting children with autism in the classroom. When she returned home, she enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes, and taking care of her home. For many years she hosted Hanukkah for her family, making amazing latkes that were eventually passed down to her daughter Lauren.

After she retired, she was able to spend more time traveling and taking part in leisurely activities. Lynn and Kevin took many train trips across the northeast and south, and enjoyed trips to Disney and Vegas. Lynn went on an Alaskan cruise with her daughter Steph, calling it the most beautiful place she had ever seen. Lynn was also a long-time member of the Pythian Sisters of Fair Lawn and she volunteered to help her partner Kevin with fundraisers at the Sunshine Rotary. Lynn loved going to Memorial Pool in Fair Lawn, and she loved going on walks outside or in the senior center. But mostly, Lynn cared deeply about the people in her life; her children and grandchildren, her partner and her family and friends.

Lynn's last few years of her life were met with significant health challenges in which she was supported by her family, especially her partner Kevin who was a devoted caretaker to her. The Lynn we remember is warm, loyal, generous, dedicated, and compassionate. To know Lynn was to love her and she will be deeply missed by many. Lynn is now at peace with her parents and her first husband, Roy. May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Parkinson's Foundation for the disease that she courageously fought.