Lyn (Sanborn) Grenier

Lyn (Sanborn) Grenier, beloved partner, mother, grandmother, daughter, and dear friend passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the age of 71.

While her physical heart may have lost its beat, the beauty, brilliance, and bravery that emanated from her metaphorical heart will keep us in time.

Born to George and Elizabeth Sanborn of Salisbury, Lyn attended Newburyport High School where she met Jim, the love of her life and husband of over 50 years. After stints at the University of Maine Orono and Salem State College, Lyn ascended to Vice President of the Lynn Five Cent Savings Bank before venturing off to run Renegade Studios, a graphic design studio, alongside her husband for almost 25 years - something she routinely claimed as extra credit toward their years of marriage. Lyn spent her last professional years in customer service for TD Bank.

A talented and award-winning art quilter, she reveled in the sense of community she felt as part of the the Merrimac Valley Quilters where she was the featured quilter in their 2022 show and the Broadstrokes guild of which she was a founding member.

An avid sailor and active member of the American Yacht Club, she co-piloted her catboat Rosebud and cutter Songbird through the mouth of the Merrimac River more times than she cared to count.

However, it was the simplest pleasures that brought her the greatest joy: playing on the floor with her grandkids, sharing a plate of seafood at the Park Lunch, watching her huge crab apple tree blossom every spring, receiving a phone call from an old friend, tending her gardens, opening a bag of potato chips, or pulling the car over to get a closer look at “a really big bird.” These are the moments she cherished the most — the ones we wish we could still share with her, and where her spirit endures.

She will be best remembered for her ability to make friends, as a good listener, her ready warm smile, her straight talk, and her helpfulness and kindness to all.

She is survived by her husband Jim, sons Colby Grenier and Joshua Callahan, grandsons Sam and Charlie, parents George and Elizabeth, sister Cynthia, and many aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and a large circle of friends.

A private memorial service is planned and will be followed by a celebration of her life at a later date in 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able make a donation to the American Heart Association, Our Neighbors Table, or any food bank of your choice.