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Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst
Jan. 21, 1957-Nov. 9, 2020

Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst passed away on November 9, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka at the age of 63. Some of the things Lynn loved most were celebrating holidays, trips to the local beaches, being a mother and spending time with her family. Lynn loved making life’s ordinary moments extraordinary and special, and she enjoyed nothing more than putting a smile on the faces of those she adored. Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays and family get-togethers just won’t be the same without Lynn’s presence, as she never tired of planning, organizing and making each gathering special for her family and friends. Lynn’s caring and giving spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew and loved her, as her love, support and generosity were unwavering.

Lynn was born in Coronado and grew up in Humboldt County, attending local elementary schools and graduating from McKinleyville High School in 1975. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from Humboldt State University, Lynn continued to CSU Sacramento obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Upon returning to Humboldt County, Lynn met and married her lifelong love, Bob “Bobby” Hayhurst. Together Lynn and Bob built a life and home filled with family, friends, animals, and Lynn’s many treasured collections.

Lynn spent her career working for the County of Humboldt in the Department of Child Welfare Services. Lynn genuinely loved her job, and she held various positions throughout her time there. Due to a series of serious medical events and ongoing health conditions, Lynn was forced into an early retirement in 2007. She was forever grateful for her many coworkers who donated their sick leave to her and for the kindness she was shown during those hard times. Lynn worked extremely hard to overcome her medical obstacles so that she could be there for her daughter, Hannah, who was the light of her life.

In 2000, Lynn’s longtime dream of becoming a mother finally came true with the adoption of her daughter, Hannah. With her family complete, Lynn relished in every moment of her role as a mother, creating special experiences and doting on Hannah at every opportunity. Lynn never recovered from the heartbreaking loss of Hannah in 2019, and in the months following her death, Lynn’s health deteriorated rapidly.

Lynn had a deep appreciation for music and the arts instilled in her by her mother, and she enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was a longtime supporter of local theater and arts and enjoyed attending the ballet, musicals, operas, symphonies, and plays whenever possible, with Ashland being a favorite and frequent destination. Lynn rarely met an animal she didn’t adore, rescuing and adopting many furry and feathered family members over the years, including her cherished equine companions, Starlight and Shawn. Lynn loved and treated the children in her life as if they were own, and she was very much looking forward to meeting and spending time with her new twin nephews, an experience that was never able to happen due to pandemic restrictions.

Lynn is survived by her husband of 35 years Bob Hayhurst, her father Ronald Creaghe, her brothers Mark Creaghe (Kristy) and Steven Creaghe (Regina), niece Elizabeth “Ellie” Creaghe, nephews Aidan and Braedan Creaghe and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Lynn was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth “Betty” Creaghe, and by her daughter Hannah Elizabeth Hayhurst.

The family would like to thank Lynn’s many doctors, nurses and health care providers throughout the years as well the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their excellent care of Lynn. Due to the ongoing pandemic, no services are scheduled at this time. If you would like to do something in memory of Lynn, please consider donating to a local organization for children such as Adoption Horizons, an organization that was near and dear to Lynn, or just take some time to love, spoil and make something magical for a special child in your life in honor of her.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.