C. Lynn Rodden, educator and mezzo-soprano, died on January 11, 2025, at the age of 94. Lynn, the youngest of seven, spent her early years in the small town of Gilbert, WV. After graduating from Marshall University with a major in education and a minor in music she moved to Wilmington, Delaware to live with her sister, Oma, during which time she continued her voice studies. It was then that she met the love of her life, Darden R. Rodden. They married in 1954 and enjoyed 68 years together until Darden’s death at the age of 98 in 2022. While Lynn was outgoing and charismatic, Darden was quiet and sincere – a demeanor that was the perfect complement to Lynn’s. Their years were of joyful companionship and the satisfaction of raising an accomplished family.
After Lynn and Darden retired, they explored the world by traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, Switzerland, the British Isles, and Tahiti. Closer to home, they visited West Virginia and, when not traveling, would be at their vacation home at the Delaware beach, where along with children and grandchildren, the family created lifelong memories.
Singing was Lynn’s passion and she shared her expressive mezzo-soprano voice in many community musical theater and choral groups such as Wilmington Opera Society, The Brandywiners, The Capella Club, The Ardensingers, and Candlelight Dinner Theater. In addition, Lynn was a choral soloist at Grace, Harrison, and Silverbrook Methodist Churches, Trinity Episcopal Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church which the family joined in 1968.
Lynn was a devoted volunteer for more than 25 years in her retirement at Wayfarer’s House (Meeting Ground) in Elkton, MD. There she helped women in the shelter plan nutritious weekly menus and to shop on a limited budget. In a 1993 News Journal “Unsung Heros” article Lynn is quoted as encouraging “the women…to be themselves, to grow, and to take the initiative.” Lynn offered a positive parent figure that many residents lacked. “You can’t be a good parent,” she said, “if you haven’t had parents to teach you how.”
Lynn and Darden had three children: Karen Rodden Caldas (James Caldas) of Greenville, DE: Timothy D. Rodden (Randall Clayton) of Wilmington, DE; and Jean Rodden (Gary Odle) of Landenberg, PA. Lynn was devoted to her three grandsons, James Moreland (Sevan Simonian) of Ashburn, VA; Liam Odle (Mara Zimmerman) of Edgewood, MD; and Christopher Caldas (Mackencie Wamble) of Seattle, WA; and to her great granddaughters, Reagan and Quinn Moreland. Lynn also has 10 surviving nieces and nephews. Lynn is predeceased by her husband, Darden, and her parents Roy and Eddith Fox, and her siblings, Alton Clement Fox, Oma Virginia Fox, Calvin Pierce Fox, Doyle Fox, Norma Fox Muzzi, Ronald Fox, and Alma Jean Fox Vincen.
Lynn’s family would like to thank The Lorelton Assisted Living where many remarkable caregivers became a second family for them and Compassionate Care Hospice. Noddine Downs and Felicia Gonzales Benson provided kind hearts and exceptional care and were a true gift to Lynn and the family.
A memorial service will be held at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 21 at 11AM. The family will greet friends during an informal reception following the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennans Church Rd. Wilmington, DE 19808.
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