M. Lynne Lalendorf

M. Lynne Lalendorf, age 79, of Carmel, Indiana died on November 2nd at her residence. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Helfrich, and her brother, William (Bill) Helfrich.

Lynne leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Luther Fredrick Lalendorf Jr. (“Fritz”); daughters Kristin Jennings (William) and Karin Veatch (Craig); grandchildren Sarah Jennings, W. Mason Jennings, Ben Veatch and Evan Veatch; and brother Jack Helfrich (Nora).

Originally from Pennsylvania, Lynne attended Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh.  She was a high school English teacher when she met Fritz, a reporter at the Pittsburgh Press, on a blind date.  They were married on June 19, 1965.  Fritz’s career led them to 13 moves in eight states.

Lynne was a homemaker until her daughters were in high school.  Her talents and passions included sewing Halloween costumes, making cream soups, amazing garage sale finds, carrying Fritz around on a pillow and organizing everything in sight.

From 1986 through 1995, Lynne worked for Community Mutual Insurance Company as a Medicare auditor. She was a volunteer as a Zoo docent (Colorado Springs), Director of Christian Education at Olivet Lutheran Church (Toledo), and a member of Carmel Newcomers (Carmel), among other organizations.

Lynne and Fritz were frequent travelers in retirement, including five continents.  Her favorite trips were Rome and the Canadian Rockies.

Lynne developed lymphoma in her brain in 2020.  She opted to discontinue treatment in September 2021 and received hospice care at home until her passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Lynne’s name may be sent to Heritage Hospice, 7215 East 21^st St. Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.