Jean Mary Anne (Rose) Lynch

Jean Mary Anne Lynch (nee Rose), age 88 of Okemos, MI, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in Crystal Falls, MI after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on October 23, 1935, in Chicago, IL, to the late Charles and Sarah “Sadie” (Carroll) Rose. Jean married Patrick J. Lynch, Jr. in Elmhurst, IL on November 12, 1960. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2005, just a few days before their 45th wedding anniversary.

Jean graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, later attending college at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Patrick and Jean settled briefly in Milwaukee, WI, before Patrick was transferred to Michigan. She and Patrick then moved to Okemos where they raised their six children and continued residency for over 60 years.

Jean was a longtime member and volunteer of St. Martha Parish in Okemos, and a founding member of Pregnancy Services in Lansing, MI, helping to provide support and resources for expectant mothers.

Jean will be remembered as a deeply faithful member of the catholic church, as well as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was extremely well-read, as evidenced by boxes and boxes – and more boxes – of books obtained over the years. Her penchant for reading and learning benefited all who knew her and would seek her out to draw from her knowledge and wisdom. Seriously, there were a lot of boxes.

Among Jean’s passions were religion, politics, activism, health, and nutrition. She attended mass daily at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Okemos, MI, and volunteered time after each mass to help with daily upkeep of the church. Referring to Election Day as “My Super Bowl,” she often stayed up well past her bedtime to watch the results come in. Possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of all things related to personal health, she would provide immediate and expert advice when presented with any ailment. As an additional note: we should all remember to take our vitamin C.

Jean also had a great sense of humor, leaving many great memories of a household filled with laughter. She enjoyed a special bond with her siblings. Together they had many great adventures whenever life would allow. Perhaps the most enduring image of her was huddling up with her two sisters at family gatherings–talking in low tones interrupted by fits of giggles, like they were 12 years old all over again.

Jean will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family:

Six children: Dolores (Michael) Premo of Crystal Falls, MI; Michael (Melissa) Lynch of The Woodlands, TX; Mary Lynch of Okemos, MI; Jean Lynch of Forest Park, IL; Patrick (Beth) Lynch of Darien, IL; and Katie (Rick) Boes of Spring Lake, MI.

Nine grandchildren: Sarah and Quinn Premo; Ryan Lynch; Margaret, Conor, and Michael Lynch; and Bruce, Adam, and Anna Boes.

Sister: Carol Marshall.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Dorothy Pfister; and brothers: Donald, Charles, and Lawrence Rose.

The Funeral Mass for Jean will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, with Fr. Norm Droski officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing or a charity of your choice that benefits children in need.

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