HAVERHILL- Lynda M. Healey 74, of Haverhill died Monday at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born in Haverhill on January 10, 1941. Lynda Healey was a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts. At different phases of her life, she was a member of a religious order, a nightclub singer, a probation officer, a clinical social worker, a sales and marketing person, a political activist, and an educator who taught both teachers and students in public and private schools.

She was a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston, held master's degrees from BC and BU, and earned an MLITT from Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English. She was an avid photographer and the author of the novel A Leap to Freedom.

Lynda was a free spirit with a sense of adventure and she loved to travel, hike, and kayak. She was grateful to be blessed with lifelong close friends. She truly valued the connections she made throughout her life with many wonderful people, and she was thankful for the many opportunities she had for great adventures. She once said that everyone has three lives: the life they plan, the life they live, and the life they remember. At the end, the life she remembered was rich and vibrant and full of fun.

Lynda is survived by her sister Gloria A. Ross of Bradford and her nephew Kelly J. Ross and his wife Cindy Kakrs of Westford as well as several cousins and very dear friends. She was predeceased by her nephew Kevin Ross.

Family and friends may call on Saturday March 14, 2015 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Driscoll Funeral Home 309 South Main Street in Haverhill. A prayer service will be offered at 3 PM prior to the calling hours.

A private family committal will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conte Funeral Home of North Andover.

In lieu of flowers the Robert L. Frost School will establish a memorial fund in Lynda's memory to be awarded to a promising student who manifests Lynda's love and respect for the craft of writing. Donations made be made to Robert L. Frost Middle School PTO 33 Hamlet Street Lawrence MA01843.

To offer online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com