Lynn Hobbs passes
We were very saddened to learn of the passing of Lynn Hobbs at age 86, who had led a wonderfully rich life filled with love and service, dedicated to her family and to many organizations in Ann Arbor, including 
SEMJA, serving as our first Secretary from the time of our founding in 1987 until 2021. She was a proud member of the informal “SEMJA Ladies” group that included Nancy Davis, Peg Craig, and Mary Ann Hayes. Almost every night they could be found at the Bird of Paradise Jazz Club on Ashley St. in Ann Arbor owned by bassist, band leader, and founder of our organization Ron Brooks, but they also played an important role in organizing various SEMJA events. Born in Indiana, Lynn got a degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Michigan.
Lynn’s musical interests went beyond jazz to opera and musical theater, and she was also known as a wizard at bridge and Scrabble. Her obituary noted she had a heart for service which was evident in her volunteer work at places such as the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and of course, SEMJA. She was a notable cook and famous for her lemon chicken pasta with broccoli as well! As her obit also noted, “her interests were as vibrant as her personality: an avid reader and book lover, and brilliant bridge player with a sharp mind for strategy.” She was a long-standing member of the Women’s City Club (now the Ann Arbor City Club) and had many deep long-lasting friendships. Above all, she cherished and nurtured her family, including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting many lands, including the UK, Belize, China, Mexico and South Africa, in addition to excursions throughout the US.
Her family plans to have a celebration of her life later this year. For now, they have suggested that donations in lieu of flowers be offered to the Kelsey Museum and to SEMJA. Lynn was one of a kind, and we were so fortunate to have her in our orbit for many years.