December 13, 1949 ~ July 11, 2022
Lynn Margaret Poland, age 72, of Hamden, died peacefully at home of complications from a stroke, on July 11, 2022. Formerly of Huntersville, NC, Lynn was predeceased by her parents, Clark and Harriet Poland, and her beloved partner, Greg Preston.
Lynn graduated from New Canaan High School, Bates College in Lewiston, ME and earned her PhD. from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Dr. Poland taught Religious Studies at various institutions of higher education including Indiana University, NC State, University of Chicago Divinity School, her alma mater Bates College, and ultimately at Davidson College in North Carolina, from which she retired in 2018 after 28 years.
Lynn loved life on her farm in Huntersville, her own little Eden. She believed every girl should have a tractor! She loved her horses, the things she grew, and the people who worked on the farm with her. Lynn opened her heart and home to many rescue greyhounds. Always an artist, in her retirement Lynn discovered her passion and talent for pottery making.
Lynn is survived by her beloved sister and brother, Nancy Samela (Joseph) and George Poland (Lisa), and her cherished nieces and nephews, Joseph and Christina Samela, Katharine, Elizabeth, and John Poland. She also leaves behind many dear cousins and a legacy of lifelong friends and colleagues. All loved and will miss Lynn dearly.
A private service will be held at the family summer cottage on Lake Quaboag in East Brookfield, MA. Donations in Lynn’s memory may be made to Greyhound Friends in Hopkinton, MA (www.greyhound.org).