Lynda Mesa

In loving memory of Lynda Mesa, who left us on December 9, 2025, at the age of 51—far too soon for someone who still had so many crafts to finish, lessons to teach, and jokes to crack. Lynda was a beloved educator, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose presence could brighten even the most chaotic school day.

A dedicated teacher at New Brunswick School District then Piscataway Magnet School, Lynda poured her heart into inspiring her students. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of education—so much so that she often joked that if enthusiasm alone could be graded, her students would all have A’s. Her classroom was a place where curiosity was celebrated, mistakes were just “learning opportunities,” and laughter was practically part of the curriculum.

Born on June 28, 1974, Lynda began her journey with a sparkle in her eye and, according to her family, a determination that made it clear she would one day teach the world a thing or two. She graduated from William Paterson College in 1996 before earning her master’s degree from Coldwell College, proving that no matter how many textbooks she read, she still had room in her heart for her students and her ever-growing collection of crafting supplies.

Lynda shared thirty-three wonderful years together with her husband German Mesa, who stood by her side through life’s ups, downs, and the occasional scrapbooking takeover of the entire house. Together, they raised two incredible children: Anyssa and Rafael who inherited their mother’s warmth, wit, and knack for making every moment count.

She is predeceased by her father William Mengel and lovingly remembered by her mother, Karen Monahan and her stepmother, Linda Mengel, who supported her unconditionally—even when her art projects left glitter trails that mysteriously appeared for months. Lynda will be deeply missed by her brother, Christopher Mengel (Holly), and her stepsister, Jayna Long (John) who can attest that she was the reigning family champion of good humor and the heavy sarcasm.

Outside the classroom, Lynda’s creativity and zest for life flourished. She loved crafting, card making, and scrapbooking, and she especially loved traveling. Whether it was working the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona working in the press village, weekend getaways to the campground, a family vacation to visit her dad in Alabama/Tennessee or an adventure to somewhere new, Lynda embraced travel with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything else. She was always ready with a packed bag, a detailed plan—or sometimes no plan at all—and the excitement of discovering something beautiful, meaningful, or simply funny along the way. Her family fondly remembers that Lynda could turn even a detour into a memory worth keeping and a photo worth scrapbooking later. Her laughter was infectious, her kindness unfailing, and her ability to make others feel loved unparalleled.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at The Crabiel Home For Funerals in Milltown, NJ. A visitation will take place on Saturday December 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by a heartfelt service at 3:00 PM, where we will honor her with tears, smiles, and maybe a drink or two.

As we remember Lynda Mesa, let us carry her legacy forward: love fiercely, teach passionately, laugh often, and never underestimate the healing power of creativity, a good Irish coffee, or a well-timed joke.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Lynda’s name to support pancreatic cancer research, helping others in the fight and honoring the strength with which she faced her own journey.

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