LYNNE HAYDN passed away peacefully on May 23, 2018.  She was born Gail Schaps to Dr. Theodor and Louise Schaps August 6, 1933 in Chicago, IL.  Her father died in 1936, leaving her mother a widow with two young children in the midst of the depression.

Ms. Haydn attended Chicago public schools through grade 8, then went on scholarship to Francis W. Parker private high school.  She was a pre-med student at Oberlin College until she became involved in theatrical activities there and fell in love with the theatre.  She moved to New York City to pursue a career as a singer, changing her name to Lynne Haydn which she used for the rest of her life.

She lived in Spencertown and then Chatham since co-founding The Mac-Haydn Theatre in 1969.  Co-founder and dearest friend Linda MacNish pre-deceased her in 2002.  The two women met in New York City and turned their mutual love of musical theatre into their dream, which will continue to flourish in their memory.  The hundreds of people who furthered their careers and the thousands of people who enjoyed the shows there are the warmest tribute to their hard work and devotion.  A line from the show "Crazy For You" could have been written for Lynne and Linda: "Look at all you've done for us.  Look at all you've done!".

In addition to being co-founder, Artistic Director and Producer, Ms. Haydn was a performer and director in the theatre's early years and said that her most thrilling moment on stage was as "Anna in "The King and I", swirling around the stage in that beautiful dress in the dance scene".

Pre-deceased by her parents, Ms. MacNish and her parents Florence and Preston MacNish, Ms. Haydn is survived by her brother Ronald Schaps and his wife Ruth of Mercer Island, WA, by five nieces and nephews, Karen Schaps and Kevin Schaps of Mercer Island WA; Kayana Hoagland of Olympia, WA; Steve Schaps of Boise, ID; and Andrew Schaps of Conshohocken, PA. and eight grand nieces and nephews, Riana Hoagland and Polly, Christopher, Cole, Ella, Ethan, Elin, and Nicholas Schaps, all of whom she loved dearly and who will all miss her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  In lieu of floral arrangements, live perennial plants for the theatre gardens, or donations to The Mac-Haydn Theatre, P.O. Box 204, Chatham, NY, 12037 are welcome.  For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com.