Lynn Stephenson, 61, UK

Lynn Kay Stephenson, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 10, 2022 at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington, United Kingdom. A celebration of Lynn's life will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 11:30 a.m. at Blooming Grove United Methodist Church (BGUMC), Pastor Kathy King officiating. Visitation will be 30 minutes before service. She was born to Norvin and Phyllis Otterness (Saufferer) on June 22, 1960 in Owatonna. She graduated from OHS in 1978 and attended SWSU, Marshall, where she met Craig Stern of Granite Falls. The couple were united in marriage in Waseca on May 24, 1980 and lived in Marshall and Wabasso. Lynn earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social work. As an Independent Services coordinator for over 17 years, she helped individuals and groups with disabilities find accessible housing, transportation, and other services. Her advocacy for improved access reached the state legislature. From 2002-13, she applied her many talents as administrative assistant for the SW Area MN Interlibrary Exchange (SAMMIE). She was recognized by the MN Arthritis Foundation, MN Association of Retarded Citizens, MN/SD Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and by the National Association of Professional Women as a VIP Member in 2009-10. Lynn and Craig were active in the Wesley UMC where she taught Sunday School and supervised K-6 programs. They enjoyed family, camping, fishing, Rudy the cat, and their Dachshunds. In early 2015, Craig passed away after a long illness and Lynn returned to Owatonna in 2016. In 2017, she met and married Roy Stephenson of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK (Northeast England). She moved to the UK in 2018 and they resided in Shiremoor, three miles from the North Sea. While some may have imagined her living in a castle surrounded by a moat, in reality, Roy really did treat her like a queen. She enjoyed crocheting, watching Roy lawn bowl, working in her garden, reading books, and going on holiday to Roy's favorite places. Even though he wasn't a real prince, Roy was Lynn's knight in shining armor. Lynn was also preceded in death by her parents & two older brothers, Craig and Kevin.

She is survived by husband Roy, sister Rhonda Hartle of Owatonna, brother Dan Otterness of Red Wing, one niece, three nephews, two great nieces, two great nephews, and The Saufferer Family Matriarch--her Aunt Bonnie "Bon Bon" Lima of Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the MDA or Marshall Area Food Shelf. BGUMC is located at 43089 180th St., Morristown, MN 55052. Accessible parking, entry & restrooms are available.