Catherine E. Lynch

Catherine E. Lynch, age 93, of Albia, died Sunday, January 31, 2016 (on her husband's 100th birthday) at Monroe County Hospital in Albia surrounded by her family. Catherine was born March 20, 1922 in Weller, Iowa to Con and Frances (Fitzgerald) O'Brien. She graduated from Albia High School, class of 1941. She was in the top 10% of her class. After graduation, she continued her education to obtain her teaching certificate. On November 27, 1951 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Weller, Iowa, Catherine married James W. Lynch. They shared 54 years together in Albia where they raised their seven children. Catherine taught at Butcher School for ten years (1941-51) before marriage. After Catherine's children were all in school, she began working at Chamberlain Manufacturing in Albia where she retired after 16 years. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Albia. Family was most important in her life. Catherine enjoyed reading books, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid Hawkeye fan. Catherine enjoyed following all of her family's sports activities. She was humble, kind, and fair to everyone. Catherine also believed strongly in her faith and the power of prayer. Catherine is survived by four daughters, Peggy (Dave) Harrington of Ottumwa, Kay (John) Vandello of Ottumwa, Rita (Bob) Coughlin of Georgetown, and Jeannie Bettis of Albia; three sons, James W. Lynch, Jr. of Ottumwa, Patrick Lynch of Oskaloosa, and Philip Lynch (Joanne) of New Lenox, IL; fourteen grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and her sister, Lucille Lahart of Georgetown. Catherine was a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Lynch; her parents, Con and Frances O'Brien; four sisters, Gertrude O'Brien, Hannah Murphy, Rose Scieszinski, and Monica O'Neill; three brothers, Pat O'Brien, Ed O'Brien, and Gerald O'Brien; a grandson, Christopher Lynch; and one step-great grandchild, Taylor Steele. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Catherine's family present throughout the afternoon and evening. A 4:00 p.m. rosary will be led by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society and a wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m. A memorial has been established to Tenco Industries or the families' wishes.

Catherine E. Lynch

March 20, 1922 - January 31, 2016