Lyn Marie (Callister) Klompstra, age 70, passed away unexpectedly September 17, 2022.
She was born in Sarnia, Ontario on January 6, 1952 to Herbert and Doris Callister.
She lived her early life in Sarnia, growing up on the shores of Lake Huron, spending summers at Camp Kenny first as a camper, and then a counsellor and eventually director.
These early experiences fostered a love for children and learning for Lyn.
After high school Lyn moved to Hamilton to attend McMaster University where she graduated with a Combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Physical Education, majoring in Psychology and Phys Ed. Later, she graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Education, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.
One night, when Lyn was a university student, a handsome stranger asked for a dance at a bar, kicking off a 51-year love affair with her best friend, and future husband, Tom Klompstra.
Tom and Lyn married on August 3, 1973 in Sarnia and lived all of their days in Sombra, eventually moving along the St. Clair River.
Lyn cherished and actively contributed to her community, while enjoying the tranquility of the river and beautiful sunsets from her front yard.
Blessed with a large, loving family, Lyn was a proud mom and constant cheerleader to her three children – Ryan (Tammy Peats), Tara (John Whitmarsh), and Robyn. Lyn was Nana and superfan to each of her four grandchildren – Logan, Reid, Lilly and Bret and the most loving Dog Nana to Dafne Lyn and Faline.
Family meant everything to Lyn, and oh boy, did she love big.
The love and pride she felt for her people was apparent to anyone that met her.
Perhaps even more amazing was Lyn’s capacity to extend that love beyond measure to her community, and the communities of her children and grandchildren.
Lyn was a Mooretown Flag, a Port Lambton Pirate, a Corunna Giant, a Sarnia Brave and a Wallaceburg Warrior.
No one cheered louder.
No one knew a roster better.
No one was a bigger champion to every player than Lyn – and every one of these communities will feel the loss of Lyn for seasons to come.
Lyn was most definitely born to teach, as countless students can attest.
She spent all of her teaching career between Mooretown Public School and Riverview Central School in the junior grades.
A mentor, a teacher and a friend to all the students in her classroom, Lyn inspired her students using a mix of kindness, support and love.
She pushed her students to achieve and taught by example, always showing that Mustang and Raider pride.
Lyn was also very close to her Florida family.
She will be missed by all those who called her a friend every winter in Crystal River.
Lyn is survived by the Callister family including her siblings Lee (Jean), Paul (Sharon) and Joan (Lee), as well as the entire Klompstra family including brothers and sisters in law and her many nieces and nephews.
All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life by attending visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home (409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg, 519-627-3231) on Monday, September 26, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Her funeral service will be held at Wallaceburg Christian Reformed Church (150 Bruinsma Ave, Wallaceburg) on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sombra Garden Club, Sombra Sports and Recreation or the Lambton Baptist Church Summer Camp in honour of Lyn’s incredible impact on her community.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
