A life well lived

What a lovely person Lynda was, and what a great example she set of how to make the most of life, even in adversity.

The photo above, taken 31st August 2025, was Lynda at the helm sailing to Villefranche. She was quite an action girl - sailing, skiing, hiking, tennis player, gym bunny....

Lynda loved to travel, to explore and visit new places - only a few short weeks ago she was in Annecy and Mont Blanc. She and Chris travelled extensively and loved to share their experiences with others.

But that was Lynda. Always sharing, always giving. Over the years, she Chris and the boys have hosted wonderful parties at their homes in Le Rouret and Opio and she was in her element surrounded by family and friends.

The courage and tenacity that she showed right until the end of her life, whilst gradually having to give up all the things she loved and treasured was just remarkable.

Lynda leaves behind a truly devoted husband, 2 sons of whom she can be very proud, a sister, a niece, as well as many, many friends and colleagues, all of whom adored her, which is a testament to the wonderful lady she was.

We'll miss your friendship, Lynda and your quirky laugh.

All our love, Beth and Paul

Lynda,

I'll always remember how welcome you made me feel and how you never let anyone leave hungry... there was always something delicious to eat, and always extra Chouffe and pudding to go with it, even if there wasn't room for it...

I'll always remember being told off for doing your puzzles. You were without fail happy and smiley, and never gave an inch in your battle, by far one of the bravest people I knew.

You'll be greatly missed, but always remembered with a smile! Rest in peace and stay strong boys.

Felix

Dear Lynda,

it was an honour to have spent time with you and the courage with which you faced cancer has left a mark on me. You remind me why the work I'm doing matters and I will keep pursing it with determination, hope, and you in my heart. Thank you for inspiring me xxx Tilly

Lynda was the mother of one of my best friends in Nick. She was always so kind and friendly when we spoke, no matter what sort of day she was having.

Happy, relaxed and forever enjoying the small things in life, Lynda absolutely captured the magic of the South of France in her personality, and is loved by all in the region because of this. She will always be remembered for warming up every room and terrasse with her beaming smile, and for her laugh that could turn even the most serious conversation into a good time. Her story has been incredibly inspiring and while it has been painful to follow, it must be shared because she managed to bring joy to so many people. Lynda is a great example of how to live to the fullest and still have tons of fun by surrounding herself with great people and family, even when times are tough.

I know she is incredibly proud of Nick and Tim, and she will be watching down from somewhere warm with a smile. Rest in peace.

Freddie

I walked up the Camp Romain yesterday wishing so much that you were here with me.

How many times did you walk up to the top? I talked to you constantly in my head, stopping to see what was left of our initials made of pebbles pressed into the new cement by the information boards, wondering where to put the plaque we'd talked about –

"Lynda Richards loved it up here."

Following your example, I spoke to every single person I met with a cheery “bonjour” (you probably knew some of them!) – something I loved about you – you were so open and friendly and interested in everyone.

Your love of life was so infectious; you grabbed every opportunity and lived every minute to the full.

And how you enjoyed your sport! You put me to shame. You were always so active – you adored your tennis, your Saturday sessions with your favourite French ladies, your weekly matches with your lovely Roquefort ladies, your golf with Sue....

And your travels! You managed to visit so many amazing places and had such wonderful experiences. I still find it hard to believe you were at the top of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix not much more than a month ago!

Oh Lynda, I shall miss you so much! You were always such a good friend to me, checking up on me during the bad times and worrying if you hadn't heard from me for a while.

I'll miss your nightly messages with your Wordle score. I'll miss seeing you (faster!) on Duolingo and most of all I'll miss our long chats on your favourite blue chairs, drinking coffee and looking out at your incredible view.

You've left us all far too soon, my beautiful friend. You so wanted to keep living to see so many things – how all the problems in the world would work out, but most of all you wanted to see more of your beloved boys, your pride and joy – how proud you were of both of them.

And how you longed to be back on the boat with Chris; they were such happy summers down in Marina Baie des Anges.

I still find it hard to believe that you won't be there when I next pop round to the wonderful home you and Chris built together. Such happy memories there – and what parties you held!

Lynda, you will always be the queen of parties. Christmas parties, birthday parties, Friday drinks parties – any excuse for a party! You were definitely the hostess with the mostest!

I am so, so sorry that I won't be here for your final farewell on Friday.

I shall be thinking of you as I stride along Hadrian's Wall, inspired by how courageous you were right until the end. I shall be wearing the brightest colours and the lovely earrings you bought me.

Safe heavenly travels, my very best of friends. Rest peacefully knowing you have marked so many of our lives in so many ways and I for one shall never forget you.

All my love,

Fiona xx