Joyce Frances Lynch, 85, of Manhasset and Point Lookout, NY, died unexpectedly on Jan. 30 surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Oct. 26, 1931 in Forest Hills and raised in Point Lookout and Rockville Centre, Joyce was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Stelzer) Scheer and the sister of the late Jean Barbara Frank. Joyce graduated with honors in chemistry from Chestnut Hill College in 1953. She became a well-regarded medical researcher at the Rockefeller Institute before marrying her beloved husband, Thomas F. Lynch, Jr., on July 6, 1957 and raising her five children.
Widowed at age 47, she was able to successfully guide her children through the school years on her own. A lifelong resident of Long Island, she split her time between the family homes in Manhasset and Point Lookout. She was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s in Manhasset and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Point Lookout.
Joyce was a gracious, generous, thoughtful and selfless person who helped others throughout her life, especially in times of need. Always available to take a friend to the doctor or go shopping for them, Joyce was a doer and a giver. She donated more than 50 pints of blood and served hundreds of meals on wheels. As a community leader she was actively involved in the Manhasset Community Club, Strathmore Village Women’s Club, Our Lady of Grace Montessori School, St. Mary’s Elementary School and Chaminade High School. She was a highly skilled bridge player and was active in many bridge groups in Manhasset for over 50 years.
Joyce lit up a room with her wonderful smile and her gracious hospitality. She was happiest surrounded by her children and grandchildren and relished all their stories and accomplishments. Joyce instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of family, education, and joy. The Lynch family home was a place where everyone was welcome and made to feel special, even the family pets who were drawn to her loving heart and generosity with special treats. Joyce will be greatly missed by her family and many dear friends.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Thomas F. Lynch Jr., and leaves behind her five children: Thomas F. Lynch III (Janice) of New York; Joseph F. Lynch (Barbara) of Madison, CT; Maura Lynch Lewis (Leland) of Manhasset; Christopher F. Lynch of White Plains; and Karen Lynch Ghaffari (Camron) of Manhasset; her eleven grandchildren: Kellie Jean Lynch, Megan Lynch, Kristin Lewis, Mary Lynch, Sarah Lynch, Shannon Lynch, Brian Lynch, Caroline Lewis, Thomas Lynch, Harris Ghaffari and Kate Ghaffari; her dear friend Eugene (Gene) Elliott; her niece, Therese Collins; five nephews: John, Peter, James, Stephen and David Frank; and many close friends.
Donations in Joyce’s memory can be made to Our Lady of Grace Montessori School, 29 Shelter Rock Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030; www.olgretreat.com/donate.
