Lynn Metzger

Lynn Rodeman Metzger, Ph.D., age 78, was the loving wife of Edward Metzger. She was the devoted mother of Michael (Julie), Anne Kelly (Bob), Barbara (Kevin Hillery) and Mary Croft (Tom). Lynn was born in Suffield, Ohio. She was proud that she grew up working on a dairy farm in Crossingville, PA. She and Ed married in 1957. After having children, she earned undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of Akron on the way to completing a Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University in Anthropology in 1989. Lynn taught and mentored students at the University of Akron (UA) for nearly two decades. She was awarded the Buchtel Award in Humanities in 2008. Lynn was a devoted supporter of the Summit County Historical Society and once served as its President. She was also President of HM Life Opportunities. Lynn supported the Ohio and Erie Canalway. She was instrumental in creating the UA Community Archaeology Program, an outreach to community organizations who need cultural resource evaluations. As a cultural anthropologist she led over 15 grants, often focusing on the settlement, political, industrial and educational background of land that became part of Summit Metro Parks. She co-authored two books, Joe's Place and Canal Fever, and edited, Along the Towpath. Lynn was working on two other books at the time of her death. Lynn was an avid gardener, hiker, cyclist and reader. She loved hosting her family and friends at home and at Lake Chautauqua, NY. Lynn and Ed rarely ate alone. Lynn instilled in her grandchildren, who called her Lynn, an appetite for learning and exploring the world. She and Ed took each of their grandchildren on their first trip abroad, bicycling in Germany. She is survived by all her children, her sisters, Barb Osterhaudt, Michelle Rodeman, Joan Lupiani, and her grandchildren Peter, Katie and Emma Metzger; Eric, Gretchen and Meghan Kelly; Terence and Jay Hillery; Adam, David and Matthew Croft. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Lynn's life, donations may be made to the Summit County Historical Society (550 Copley Rd., Akron, 44320) or the Akron Symphony Orchestra (92 N. Main St., Akron, 44308). Calling hours will be held at Our Lady of the Elms Commons (1375 W. Exchange, Akron) on Monday July 27th from 4-8PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Hilary Church (2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn) at 9:30 AM Tuesday July 28th.