Lynne Hildebrant Posner

1948 - 2025

Born in Napa in October 1948, Lynne Hildebrant was the daughter of George and Joan Hildebrant. She spent her early years helping build the adobe brick home where she and her siblings-Gordon, Wendy, and Shelby-grew up. A bright student, she attended Napa High before enrolling at U.C. Berkeley in 1966, where she met her husband, David Posner. They married in 1970 and shared 55 years of love, humor, and music. Their family grew with the births of C.J. in Chicago, followed by Miriam, Rebecca, and, finally, Elyanah in San Jose.

Lynne dedicated her life to children, first as a preschool teacher and later as an elementary school teacher in San Jose's Alum Rock Unified School District. She had an extraordinary gift for teaching, fostering a love of learning and nurturing the students who needed it most. She brought magic to her classroom, playing Vivaldi, matching children with perfect books, staging productions of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland" and creating a safe space of warmth and understanding.

Music was another of Lynne's great passions. She sang in choirs, studied classical voice, and ensured that her children were immersed in music and the arts. Her home was always filled with song, whether her own alto or the practicing of her children.

As a mother, Lynne was endlessly compassionate and joyfully unconventional. She encouraged curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of justice. She hosted lively celebrations, championed her children's individuality, and worked tirelessly to support their pursuits. Even amidst the demands of work and family life, she made sure her children felt unconditionally loved and deeply seen.

There is so much more to say-about the campfire songs, the homemade Halloween costumes, the love of books, and the long walks on winter beaches. But most of all, Lynne taught her family the strength found in boundless, unconditional love. Because of her, they know they can endure even this tremendous loss. In her memory, they ask that you share wholehearted love with those in your life and support arts education in our schools.

Lynne is survived by her husband, David; her siblings, Wendy, Shelby, and Gordon; her children, C.J., Miriam (Andy Wallace), Rebecca (Bruno Broll-Barone), and Elyanah (Niyati Rodricks); and her beloved grandchildren, Dora, Davy, and Topher.