Mary Theresa Lynch

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, twenty dear grandchildren, and  thirty great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Monday, November 22, in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 am Monday in the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.