Mary Lynn-Hanley

22 November 1937 – 5 February 2025

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our friend and colleague, Mary Lynn Hanley, who passed away on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, following a period of declining health.

Mary Lynn, who faithfully served AFICS/NY as Editor of the AFICS/NY Bulletin from her appointment on 1 March 1988 until her retirement in 2021, is remembered fondly by those who knew her as a critical reader and a meticulous editor. Former President of AFICS/NY Richard Nottidge, in paying tribute to her during the 50th anniversary of AFICS/NY, noted:

“I always read the Bulletin before it went to print. I do not believe I ever had reason to change or even to suggest a change to what Mary Lynn produced.” Mary Lynn, as a result, had the pride of place at all Governing Board meetings as the Editor of the Bulletin and its official note taker.

As tributes have begun to pour in from AFICS/NY colleagues who knew and worked with her, one description resonates profoundly: her humble, kind, and gentle manner with which she treated everyone, along with her ever warm and embracing smile that greeted the world. We will all miss her more than words can convey.

Former President of AFICS/NY, John Dietz, in his reflection on Mary Lynn, captures our collective sentiment: “She was truly a unique and remarkable person who lived by and upheld the ideals of the UN system, recognizing the vital role played by retirees. Almost single-handedly, she took full responsibility for the preparation and issuance of the periodic AFICS/NY Bulletin for many years, including the entirety of my time as President of AFICS-NY (2016-2022). She remains in our hearts and will be missed as a steady contributor and reliably positive presence on the AFICS/NY Board and at our social gatherings.”

UNSRC Philharmony Mary Lynn was also a talented actor and an accomplished musician who played the flute and piccolo in the United Nations Symphony Orchestra. She also gave her time to the Charities Foundation of AFICS/NY where she served as its secretary before her retirement.

Mary Lynn’s sister Carol has shared with us that at her request, she asked for no funeral, but did, as a devout Catholic, receive the blessings of a priest of her faith tradition. Her remains were cremated, and in the spring, the family will hold a service at the gravesite where her parents are buried.

Carol has asked us to share the following message to the members of AFICS/NY: “We thank everyone for caring about our wonderful sister, coworker, and friend. All of our lives were touched and enriched by her presence and will continue to be a blessing in memory.” We will pay tribute to Mary Lynn in our upcoming Bulletin more fully. We will all miss her more than words can express. Our deepest condolences to her sister Carol, her nephew Stan, and the extended family on her loss.