Mary Lynch Obituary

Mary Lynch Charleston - Our sweet and loving mother, Mary Theresa (Hansberry) Lynch, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was 92. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, James "Jim" Vincent Lynch, Sr. Mary was the only child of Irish immigrants, Lawrence and Catherine (Frain) Hansberry. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Little Flower Catholic High School. After graduation, she enthusiastically enjoyed working in the city in various administrative positions. At the age of 21, Mary met the love of her life, Jim, at a social dance. They wed in 1951 and raised nine children over the course of their long marriage. Mary enjoyed her children, grand and great-grandchildren, her Catholic faith, everything French, Russian novels and murder mysteries, going to the movies and the seashore, thoroughbred horse racing, chocolate, and the musical stylings of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, and the '70's rock band, Bread, whose song "If" was her favorite. Mary was known to enjoy a Manhattan or B&B from time to time when she was feeling fancy. She was very deeply loved by her family and friends. She made great spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, salmon croquettes, and apple pie. And lots of mashed potatoes. She is remembered especially for her beautiful smile! Mary is survived by her children, Kathleen Eastburn (Pat), James, Jr. (Sue), Jacqueline Kobold (Jack), Marita Williams (Dave), Kevin, and Bernadette - all of Indiana, and Loretta Lynch-Reichert (Marcel), William (Nell), and Margaret Mary "Peggy" Jonson (Andy), of South Carolina and Georgia, as well as a host of dear grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass and Rite of Burial will take place in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she will rest beside her husband. Thanks go to the committed, compassionate, and caring patient technicians, nurses, and doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina's emergency room and Orthopedics departments; devoted and loving caretakers, Suzie Tillman and Diane Wiggins; and the gentle folks at Amedisys Home Hospice care of Charleston, South Carolina. Arrangements are being handled through McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston