The Strength of a Woman: The Life Story of Lynn Ellen Cherkasky Carter

John Carter spent fifty years building bridges, tunnels, and structures across the United States, but his true foundation was built by one woman—Lynn. For three decades, while John was away on large construction projects, Lynn ran the home, raised their son David, and instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity. These very values helped shape him into a brilliant engineer, just like his father.

When Lynn was diagnosed with kidney disease, David was still young. But she never let her illness define her. She remained the rock of her family, a strong woman who always put others before herself. Even as she endured pain and exhaustion from treatments, she never lost her zest for life. On their last trip together to Hawaii, she refused to let dialysis stop her. Every night, despite the toll it took on her, she carried on, refusing to give up on the life she loved.

Above all, Lynn was a woman of warmth and kindness. She had a passion for baking, and anyone who knew her husband knew that when he arrived at a construction site, he came bearing her legendary chocolate chip cookies—a recipe that became famous among his colleagues. She was a devoted grandmother, a proud mother, a loving sister, and a woman of valor whose presence made an impact on everyone around her.

This week, we mark Lynn’s yahrzeit. This Shabbat’s Kiddush is dedicated in her memory, honoring a life that inspired so many.

May her memory be a blessing.