SMART Reading recently lost a dear friend, early champion, and longtime leader with the passing of Carolyn “Lyn” Hennion in January.
Lyn was, in every sense, a force for good in the Rogue Valley. A trusted financial advisor, community leader, and tireless advocate for education, she brought both sharp insight and deep compassion to everything she did. But perhaps what stood out most was her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
That belief showed up in many ways—including her longtime support of SMART Reading. Lyn served on both the Rogue Valley Leadership Council and the statewide Board of Directors, helping guide and strengthen the organization’s work in meaningful and lasting ways.
She understood something that sits at the heart of SMART’s mission: that early childhood matters deeply, and that access to books, caring adults, and positive reading experiences can shape the course of a child’s life.
Lyn’s impact extended far beyond SMART. From her leadership with the Children’s Institute and the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, to her work with Southern Oregon University, the Oregon Community Foundation, and countless other organizations, she helped build stronger systems and brighter opportunities for generations of children and families across Oregon.
And yet, for all of her accomplishments, Lyn was also known for her warmth, her generosity, and the way she made people feel seen and supported. She had a way of bringing people together—of weaving connections across communities, causes, and generations.
Her legacy lives on in the programs she helped strengthen, the spaces she helped create, and the many lives she touched along the way.
SMART Reading is deeply grateful for Lyn’s years of leadership, advocacy, and care. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Pictured from left: Lyn Hennion with Angela Thorndike and Polly Fowler Farrimond.