LYNDA MYLES Obituary

MYLES--Lynda, age 83, died at home in New York City on April 15, 2023 after a brief illness, surrounded by friends and family who loved her deeply. Actor, playwright, award-winning television writer, memoirist and short fiction writer, teacher, social activist and devoted friend, her favorite role was mom to her beloved daughter, Hallie Leighton, who predeceased her in 2013. Acting took Lynda everywhere, from Broadway to regional theaters, playing everything from Neil Simon to Shakespeare, from Greek tragedy to Shaw, and from harried housewives to the Avon Lady. In a review of "As You Like It," the critic unknowingly described Lynda herself: "Rosalind, glowingly acted by lovely Lynda Myles, has unquenchable high spirits, candor and courage." Hearing that there were "actresses--women--writing plays," while "I have been acting in men's plays all my life and it never occurred to me that I could be a playwright," she wrote and won awards for theatre, TV (including two Emmys for "Santa Barbara") and short fiction. Lynda kept friends for her entire life and kept attracting more, in part because of loving story-telling and listening with huge generosity. Her passion for people carried into a retirement full of activism and social justice as a public radio intern, writing tutor, organizer of a women's political group, mentor for students in a justice program. She befriended a homeless student at a library literacy program, supported her, and ultimately reunited her with her estranged family in her native country. At the end, Lynda marveled at how lucky she was to have so many people caring about her. A friend replied how lucky so many people have been to have Lynda caring about them. Lynda is survived by her sister, Wendie Myles, (Steve Klein) and by two generations of Manson and Lucas cousins for whom she was special "Auntie" and grandmother "Ya Ya"; by her stepchildren, Ross Leighton and Jennifer Cobb; and by several young women for whom she was "second mother" and godmother. Please consider honoring Lynda with a donation to the ReSisters/The State Project, which believes that state legislatures are the strongest force for change in this country: grapevine.org/ giving-circle/PdWhQGZ/-). A memorial is being planned.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for LYNDA MYLES

11 Entries

Elizabeth Correa

April 21, 2024

Recordándote por siempre . Vives en mi corazón.

Paula

April 17, 2024

I cannot believe Lynda is gone one year. So hard to believe. She was such a bright light in our Memoir Writing Class and always provided us with many laughs about all the goings-on in her life. She is missed by so many.

Santa De Haven

May 4, 2023

I knew Lynda when she lived in Richmond,Virginia. She was always enthusiastic, charming and supportive. A woman of great courage. I was lucky to have shared time and conversation with her.

Leslie Rutkin

May 4, 2023

Lynda was the kind of person that you liked as soon as you met her. She was engaging, smart, interested in what you had to say, and seemingly without airs. As with my friend Paula, who commented below, I met Lynda at a memoir writing class at the New School. We were invited to the instructor's memoir writing group in her home. It was an exciting time for me, to be surrounded by such talented writers. I especially looked forward to Lynda's smart, measured critiques of my and everyone's work. Lynda, Paula, Orume, and I remained friends after the memoir group ended and it was always fun to catch up on each other's lives when we met for dinner a few times a year. Lynda never boasted about her activities but they were many: tutor, radio intern, mentor, and more. She was one of the busiest people I knew, and most of her work was for the betterment of others. I was privileged to know her and call her my friend.

Caroline Pendleton Hillmar

May 4, 2023

I am so sorry- Lynda was a special, loving person. Especially with my father Jim Pendleton. They could always find things to talk about, to laugh about, debate. Such love.

Dorothea Smith aka Thea Smith, NYC>>> now California

May 3, 2023

When I think of my childhood I think of Lynda who was my dearest playmate from ages 7 to 15. Lynda was a talented child who loved to playact stories she'd made up, as well as make up her own words to popular music. We had pretend horses, Ginger and Black Beauty. After moving miles apart we occasionally met to go real horseback riding. Though she'd never taken riding lessons, Lynda somehow had a natural riding seat. We shared so many imaginary and real experiences together. Farewell old friend. Perhaps we'll meet astride in lovely cloud formations. You will always be missed. Your old friend from Metropolitan Avenue, PS 99, and chestnut collecting, Dorothea.

Nancy and Geoffrey Gordon

Planted Trees

Nancy Gordon

April 23, 2023

I knew Lynda for 63 years. She is the sister of my very best friend Wendie. I always admired her
wonderful talent and kindness and caring. She was one of the most generous people I knew.
She will always be remembered.

Paula Galloway

April 23, 2023

I met Lynda at a Memoir Writing Class at The New School in 2002. After the semester ended, the teacher had some of her students continue writing at her home. Lynda was in my group along with Leslie and Orume, all of us still in touch 21 years later. The four of us would meet once a year for dinner and drinks and to catch up with our lives. Lynda was a bright star with a terrific sense of humor. I loved hearing about her experiences as an actor on Broadway and all the wonderful activities she was involved in. She was a beautiful person and will be missed by so many.

Fred Hart

April 23, 2023

Sadden to learn of the passing of my long-time friend Lynda Myles. My Junior and senior High School prom date , the first crush of my life. Reconnected a number of years ago , and have kept in touch ever since. Many fond memories of King Street. her Sweet 16 party, and the night at The Waldorf Astoria and an evening with Harry Belafonte . GOD SPEED my good friend Lynda. I will miss you. Love.....

Geoffrey Gordon

April 23, 2023

I had the pleasure of meeting Lynda, through her sister Wendie and daughter Hallie a few times.
She was always extremely sweet and gracious. Lynda, was a true trailblazer and achieved some remarkable accomplishments in her lifetime. She will be dearly missed.

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