Evalyn M “Lynn” Fanelli (née Vanderslice) passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Lynn is survived by her adoring daughter, Brianne, siblings Peggy Ryan (Tom), Tim Vanderslice (Audrey), and Cass Weber (late Joe), as well as her nieces and nephews Kristin Ryan, Kathleen Sinnott (Tom), Tim Vanderslice Jr. (Ally), Teddy Vanderslice, Dan Vanderslice (Vanessa), Pat Vanderslice (Michelle), Tess Weber, Jesse Weber, and Tom Tapper (Carla). She was predeceased by her brother, Ted Vanderslice (Terry).
Lynn was born on October 11, 1955, in Upper Darby to Marguerite (née Simpson) and Ted Vanderslice. She was the third of five children. A lifelong Delco resident, she attended Saint Alice School, Archbishop Prendergast High School and Gwenydd Mercy College. The classic middle child, Lynn never gave up her fight for everyone to be treated equally. She was a gifted athlete and scholar and an extremely hard worker. Throughout her adolescence, she shined in her academic life, became known for her speed in CYO basketball, and created lifelong friendships. After graduating college, Lynn excelled in her career as a cardiovascular technologist, taking her skills to Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital, Lankenau in the Kelly Group, and Cardiology Physicians in Delaware.
Lynn’s greatest achievement and the joy of her life was her daughter, Brianne Lynn Fanelli. The two shared an unbreakable bond and were never not by each other’s side, whether it was to their favorite local spots or various trips around the country. Lynn was Brianne’s biggest cheerleader, guiding her through life with love and protection. Brianne fulfilled Lynn’s greatest dream of becoming a mother.
Lynn’s maternal instinct was not limited to her own child. She cared for her nieces, nephews and friends with the same amount of loyalty and devotion. If Lynn was in your corner, you knew you were protected. Generous to a fault, she would give every last penny she had to help her loved ones in need. Her love for her family knew no bounds. There was nothing Lynn loved more than a family get-together, where everyone would inevitably end up around a table telling stories and laughing loudly.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation on Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. A Funeral Mass will follow on Thursday morning at 10:30 am at Saint Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Interment thereafter at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.
A memorial donation can be made to The American Heart Association. Your gift today in memory of Lynn will be matched to help build her legacy of lifesaving against heart disease and stroke. To donate online, click HERE, https://pages.heart.org/honor-memorial-lp.
Donohue Funeral Home - Newtown Square
Donohue Funeral Home - Newtown Square
St. Anastasia Church
SS Peter & Paul Cemetery
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