In Memoriam: Lynne Niemiec

Lynne M. Niemiec, administrative assistant for psychology and neuroscience, and wife of Associate Professor of Psychology Andrew J. Niemiec, died unexpectedly early Sunday, May 1, 2011. Born on January 26, 1963, she was forty-eight.

Lynne came to work at the College in September 1994 as a data-entry and control clerk in Information and Computing Services, a predecessor of Library and Information Services. In July 2001, she took on her duties with the Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience Program.

For the past several years, Lynne had been taking courses at the College herself, working toward her bachelor's degree. She was scheduled to graduate later this month with Kenyon's Class of 2011.

Professor of Psychology Hewlet McFarlane, who currently directs the Neuroscience Program, recalls that "Lynne cared deeply about the Psychology Department and the Neuroscience Program. She worked hard to support the department and the program and formed close bonds with many of the students. The last thing she did for us was to help in putting together the Neuroscience Program's external review, which happened just last week. She worked tirelessly to make sure that the review went smoothly and was conducted in a professional manner. We could not have done it without her tireless help and attention to detail.

"The program misses Lynne already. I miss her. I miss her sense of humor, her love of The Simpsons, and the fun, goofy conversations we had every day. Her love of, and concern for, the welfare of animals is well known. Just last week, as we walked together on campus, we saw a bat on the lawn. Lynne rushed back to Sam Mather, got Andy, and together they went back with leather gloves and rescued the bat, putting it on the trunk of a tree in the cemetery, out of harm's way. I think that says it all."

Added Michael Levine: "Lynne was always a voice and a presence for the principle that we all have a responsibility for the less fortunate of God's creatures, whether they are abandoned animals or each other."

When asked what she thought was the best thing about being at the College, Lynne cited the rural environment. "I was born in the big city, but I always felt I was meant to live in the country." Involved in numerous volunteer activities, she and Andy had been foster parents, and she had been a bus aide for Knox County Head Start. She had worked as a 4-H advisor, helping children train their dogs. Lynne and Andy also ran the "Friday Guitar Circle," an informal guitar group for students, faculty, and staff.

Lynne was probably best known in the community for her love of dogs and her frequent e-mail messages regarding some aspect of canine health and well-being. In her staff profile for the psychology department, she wrote, "I am fascinated with dogs and dog behavior. I have six dogs of my own, and I enjoy them more than would seem humanly possible."

That love for dogs brought Lynne into contact, and frequently friendships, with many people in the area, often raising their awareness of canine issues. Former Kenyon colleague Kay Mackenzie writes, "It's just weird to think that Lynne's not here anymore. She was one of those people in my life who taught me so much; she helped me to become a dog person and she was always an inspiration. When I think, 'What would Lynnie do?' it always helps me decide. Now I'm the one who stops by the side of the road to check out loose dogs."

Another of Lynne's longtime friends, Linda Michaels, a former member of the College's public affairs staff, remembers, "Lynne struggled with health problems for much of her life but you never heard her complain. She was one of those people who were always looking forward; she was very happy about the fact she would fulfill the graduation requirements this month.

"But I think what Lynne would most like to be remembered for was her devotion to the voiceless among us-the cats and dogs she and Andy rescued themselves as well as the animals who found homes through her efforts. Always the educator, Lynne never missed an opportunity to let people know they should spay and neuter their pets. She never failed to have just the perfect training suggestion. And she never shrank from confronting those who were not living up to her lofty expectations when it came to animal care. She didn't want to make enemies; she wanted to make converts.

"Lynne's life was all too short, but in the years she had, she made a real difference in the lives of so many animals and in the lives of the people who are, or were, connected to those animals. She was one of those people who really made a difference, and she will be remembered for it. It is a great loss for all of us who knew and loved Lynne. I'm really heartbroken."

Lynne is survived by her husband, Andy, to whom she was married for thirty years, her beloved pets, and many friends. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Kayla Mae, in 1993.

As a final example of her generous and caring nature, Lynne gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. At her request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Dogs Deserve Better, Central Ohio Chapter, P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684; Best Friends Animals Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741; or a spay and neuter organization of the donor's choice.