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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - Central Chapel

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Ottawa, Ontario

Frances LYNCH Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20, 2013.

LYNCH, Frances Jennifer Q.C.
Peacefully in the care of family on November 13th, 2013 in Ottawa. Beloved wife of Pierre Richard Q.C. will be sadly missed by her step-children Marc-Alexandre (Patricia Brady) and Natalie (Eddy Abou-Nehme). Proud and devoted Grand-maman of Annelise, Quinn & Thomas Richard and Joseph, Danielle & Pierre Abou-Nehme. Dear sister Jenny to David (Eleanor Gurd) and Eric Lynch. Predeceased by her parents Captain John Andrew MacKinnon ("Mack") Lynch R.C.N. and Margaret Elsie MacKinnon.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jennifer studied at Queen's University (B.A.) and Osgoode Hall (L.L.B.). After her call to the bar, she founded a law firm in Ottawa, Jennifer Lynch & Associates and continued her practice as a senior partner with Honeywell Wotherspoon and then upon merger Lang Michener (now McMillan LLP). Throughout her career, Jennifer acted in many public service roles and served as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Chairperson of the RCMP External Review Committee, and Executive Member of the Board of Governors of the University of Ottawa. Jennifer believed and lived by the principle enshrined in the Canadian Human Rights Act that "all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have...".
Jennifer cared about her community and was committed as a director and volunteer to various community and charitable organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Salvation Army, Variety Club Ottawa children's charity, Crimestoppers and the Women's Legal Action Fund.
An innovator and recognized expert in the theory and design of conflict management systems, Jennifer authored numerous publications and was a leader in the field. She was the founder and principal of PDG Group for nearly 20 years and advised large organizations in the design and implementation of conflict management systems including the RCMP, Department of National Defence, Canada Revenue Agency, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security, and the World Bank.
As the last President of the National P.C. Women's Caucus, Jennifer was an advocate for the involvement and advancement of women in politics. She was proud to serve as Chief of Staff to the Right Honourable Joe Clark, then P.C. Party Leader.
Jennifer was a trusted and respected mentor and advisor to her colleagues. She was a champion of young people and women in business with a talent and enthusiasm for connecting people. She treasured her legions of dear friends and was grateful for their love and support. Jennifer's kindness, compassion and generosity will be missed, as will her formidable energy and spirit. Her monument is the many lives she enriched.
Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod St. (at O'Connor) on Wednesday November 20, 2013 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass in Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Church, 385 Sussex Drive, on Thursday November 21 at 10:30 am. Due to construction on Sussex Drive guests are encouraged to use taxi or public transportation. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jennifer to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.


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54 Entries

December 14, 2014

Pierre, I just found out about Jennifer's passing. I'm devastated. My sincere condolences to all. I will be in touch.
Claude Choquette

November 13, 2014

David Lynch

can't bear to lose this. you are all incredible

November 12, 2014

Cinnie Noble

Jennifer left her indelible mark on so many people, and I am one of them. Her wisdom remains with me such as when I ask myself 'what would Jen say?' whenever I am in a dilemma.

November 11, 2014

Jerry Grey

Last night The Lynch Launch honoured Jennifer's memory. She was our inventive, fun loving creative leader and loyal friend. We miss her as do her many friends and family.

September 28, 2014

Heike &Uli Windolf

our deepest compassion to Richard!
WE missed you both so much in Miami!
WE wish you strenght and confidence .
Your friends Heike and Uli

July 2, 2014

David Lynch

Eric and I are very moved by the many messages we see here. Thank you for recognizing Jennifer. We celebrate her life.
We have great respect for the Richard Family, and their love of Jennifer.
David and Eric ( [email protected] )

January 9, 2014

With great sorrow. Jennifer and I were on the Board of ACR at the time. My thoughts to the family

December 7, 2013

Lynne Douglas

I just heard of Jennifer's death from my sister, Anne. Clearly, the spirited kid we knew at Opinicon went on to a life of remarkable achievements which ended too soon. My sincere sympathies to her family and especially David and Eric.

December 5, 2013

Gemma Nowacki

Pierre to you and family my deep condolences. My thoughs and prayers are with you in this moment of great sadness.

December 3, 2013

Colleen Flanigan

My deepest sympathies.
Colleen Flanigan
Mercer Island, WA

December 1, 2013

Brian C. M. Barrett

Dear Pierre, I could hardly believe that Jennifer has left us when I read the bulletin after Mass this morning. I wish I had known so I could have attended her funeral Mass. Jennifer was always full of encouragement and a joie de vivre and although in recent years we only met by chance along the Mall or in a building rushing from meeting to meeting, I always came away uplifted and smiling. May you and your family be comforted by your memories of Jennifer and in the knowledge that she lived her life well. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

November 21, 2013

Mary Ellen Morris

Jennifer was my friend and my inspiration as we grew our professional practices during the 80's. She cared for me at my cottage following my surgery and swam against the current in the mighty St Lawrence for recreation. She will always hold a warm place in my heart. My condolences to all those who loved her.

November 21, 2013

Christiane McGovern

Pierre,

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

November 20, 2013

Harvey Goldberg

I was honored to have been with Jennifer on her first day as Chief Commissioner, March 30,2007 when she spoke at the United Nations on the occasion of the the opening for signature ceremony of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

I admired her determination to do what was right, not what was easy or politically expedient. When she decided that the Commission would continue to support the hate provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act she exposed herself to vicious personal attacks. But she did not relent, and although that battle was eventually lost it was not for lack of effort by Jennifer to see it through.

I was again honored, last September, when she attended my retirement reception at the Commission. It was obviously difficult for her to get out that day, but her presence meant a great deal to me.

May her memory be for a blessing and may all who knew and loved her be comforted.

Posted by Harvey Goldberg

November 20, 2013

Peter Bishop

Im sorry to hear of Jennifers passing, she was one of my first clients so many years ago. she asked me one day while sitting at her desk, in her office on Laurier Ave, what I was looking at, and she looked behind her. I told her- the Seth Thomas clock,she was quite surprised I knew its name,we were instant friends, She told me of her proud roots and I will miss her very much.

November 20, 2013

Lex Burger

Condolences to Pierre and family. I was fortunate to have worked with Jennifer on some interesting consulting opportunities. She also gave good advice and career encouragement to my wife Nancy. Sincerely,

November 20, 2013

I have fond memories of Jennifer at Lake Opinicon when we were young in the 1960s. Our familys grew up together in the Canadian Navy and we have been friends our whole life. We will miss you Jennifer and deepest sympathy to you Pierre and your family, also to David, Eric and Eleanor. May she rest in peace. Love Craig Paddon.

November 20, 2013

Maria Zegarra

I thank God for the opportunity of knowing Jennifer Lynch. She was a very admirable beautiful person both inside and out she had good qualities and virtues. I will never forget her sincere smile and her braveness she was a fighter she was a hero to me. I will forever remember her in my heart.

The word of God says:

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord
Romans 14:8

November 20, 2013

Martin Thompson

Mes plus sincères condoléances à vous tous. Nos prières sont avec vous pendant ces moments difficiles.

Martin Thompson et Lynn Montgomery

November 20, 2013

George McCabe

Pierre,
Pierre - 0ur deepest sympathies to you and your family. -

Jean and George McCabe

November 20, 2013

Julia Low

Pierre, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am fortunate to have had the chance to spend as much time with Jennifer as I did. Thank you Jennifer for your inspiration and I am a better person for having known you.

November 20, 2013

Lesley McKay

My condolences to the family members. I was sorry to learn of Jennifer's passing. She has left an incredible mark on the lives of everyone she touched. The life lessons she left behind will be held close to all of our hearts. Sincerely,

Lesley McKay

November 20, 2013

Nikki Cook

Jennifer was the special guest speaker at my daughter's graduation from Ottawa University several years ago and her speech was absolutely riveting. She was a very special and inspirational person. Please accept my sympathies.

November 19, 2013

Bev Busson

Pierre, My most sincere and heartfelt condonences to you and your family for your loss. I feel fortunate to call Jennifer a friend and will be forever in awe of her caring and her courage..

November 19, 2013

Katherine Parker

Pierre, my heart goes out to you and your family. I was so fortunate to have spent some time with Jennifer, such a beautiful, strong, inspiring spirit. Her spirit will live on in all of us that she touched. God Bless Pierre

November 19, 2013

Pierre, Eric, Marc-Alexandre, Nathalie et tous les siens,

Jennifer fut une inspiration dans ma vie. Elle était plus qu'un modèle pour moi. J'ai toujours eu beaucoup d'admiration pour elle. Son départ laisse un grand vide dans la vie de ceux qui l'on cotoyée. Elle a fait fasse à son combat au cours des dernières années avec courage et classe. Malgré tout ses défis, elle était là pour nous tous et était des plus généreuse avec ses proches dont son frère adoré. La dernière fois que l'on s'est rencontrés, nous sommes sortis diner tous les trois et je dois dire que je ne pouvais qu'admirer ce lien si fort entre elle et toi Éric. Pierre, Marc-André et Nathalie, vous étiez au centre de sa motivation.

Merci Jennifer d'avoir été dans mon parcours.

Francine St-Pierre
Gatineau

November 19, 2013

Roy Hill

Jennifer was a very caring individual who was dedicated to whatever task at hand, but always took time for
friendship. Met her many years ago for the first time and had the pleasure of receiving her timely words of wisdom over the years while I worked with the RCMP as a Staff Relations Representative.

To family members I offer sincere condolences. She will not be forgotten.

November 19, 2013

Jennifer was like a daughter to me. I knew her for 63 years. My heart goes out to you and your family. Isobel Paddon.

November 19, 2013

Ernie Guillemin

Pierre, Marc and Natalie; I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please except my most sincere condolences and sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you

November 19, 2013

Kelly Beaulieu

Pierre,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

November 19, 2013

Linda Hawke

David
My thoughts are with you.

November 19, 2013

Shirley Greenberg

My life was enriched with Jennifer in it. I treasure the memories and the friends I met through her. I will miss her.

November 19, 2013

Cinnie Noble

Jennifer's death is such a tremendous loss. My heart breaks for Pierre and the whole family - and those of us who had the good fortune of knowing her as an incredible friend and colleague.

November 19, 2013

Pierre - my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Catharine Peischl

November 19, 2013

Jerry Grey

To the the Pierre Richard family, Natalie & Eddy, Marc & Patricia and all the grand children,
Jennifer's brothers David and Eric: Jennifer's passing is such a sorrow to all who knew and loved her. She bought magic to people's lives. She was a generous, vital, vibrant, and thoughtful friend.
She knew how to make an occasion out of her friends' get togethers.

As an example: For my fiftieth birthday she hired a city bus, invited friends to
secretly gather at the police station - and meet me for what I thought was a talk.
Non-alcoholic champagne was served and we had a joyful time touring the locations
of all my public art work. We returned to my where Amelia (our house-keeper) had
created a surprise dinner and celebrated with a gorgeous birthday cake. It was a complete surprise!
There was “the birthday of the stars”, the common denominator being the number “0” in our
birth date. There were many other thoughtfully created events or “Jennifer moments”, and
then there was The Lynch Launchers.

A truly remarkable person who touched all those she loved and cared about especially her
family. With your love and support in these last years of limited time you gave her such joy
and pleasure and contribute so much to enriching her life as she did yours and that of her
friends. My condolences and sympathy to all of you.

November 18, 2013

Agnes Di Leonardi

With heartfelt sympathies to Jennifer's family. With deepest condolences from an IWF colleague. You will be dearly missed. Agnes Di Leonardi

November 18, 2013

Jim Crowe

Pierre, David, Eric & all who loved Jennifer please accept my condolences. I recall 1st meeting Jennifer in Vancouver in 1968,and forming a great friendship in Kingston 1972 and the last time in Sydney in 1990s.She was always such a good mate of mine. She got me organized and focused me in a gentle but firm manner - and didn't know that I knew she was doing it!I will miss you.

November 18, 2013

Charmaine

Pierre...I know how much Jennifer meant to you as she was truly a special person. Hold on right to her memories and all of those incredible moments you had with her. The loss of a spouse is truly tragic and I am so sorry.

November 18, 2013

Corinne Brule

Pierre,

I offer my condolences to you and your family and wish you strength during this difficult time.

November 18, 2013

Myra McKeen

My life was greatly enriched because Jennifer was in it. She welcomed me as a friend from the first day we met some 35 years ago, and I have always felt blessed because of that. She will be deeply missed. I send my love and heartfelt sympathy to Pierre and family.

November 18, 2013

Pauline Couture

Jennifer was a remarkable person -- courageous, generous, intelligent, passionate, full of life and humour. Although her feet were planted firmly on the ground, she was fearless in envisioning a better world and worked tirelessly to create it. While people around the world will feel her loss, our hearts go out first and foremost to her beloved husband Pierre and family.

November 18, 2013

Leah Murray

Jennifer, you inspired many and made everyone you met feel special. You will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to your wonderful husband, Pierre, and your family.

November 18, 2013

P.Michel de Grandpre

Triste liiberation!!
Sympathies sinceres

November 18, 2013

Bernard Cloutier

Cher Pierre,

Mes plus sincères condoléances. Je ne garde que d'excellents souvenirs de cette femme extraordinaire que j'ai toujours admirée.

Bernard

November 18, 2013

Gladys Haddad

Pierre,

my deespest sympathies to you and the family, my prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

November 18, 2013

Philippe Roy

Pierre and Family,
We met Jennifer at church and she was absolutely lovely. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.
Philippe and Mary Roy.

November 17, 2013

Katherine nee Belyea

As a long ago friend when we were children, I have always cherished my memories of time spent with Jennifer. From sharing her interest in some new band called the Beatles, sleepovers, playing rummy with her and David on the living room floor, not wearing wool cause it made Mac grumpy, eating all of my dinner even when I hated peas and the Lynches ate them constantly, and being honoured to wear her hand me downs.
She was always so brave in our adventures. She never lost that tenacity.
My heart goes out to her family.

November 17, 2013

Jennifer Birchall-Creighton

Pierre:

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Jennifer was
incredibly strong, highly motivated and truly committed to others. She was a great inspiration to me during my years
on the Hill.

Jennifer (Cossitt)

November 17, 2013

Jennifer was an inspiration to many. Most of all her friendship made us all better people. Pierre, my heart goes out to you and your family at this terrible time. I was always sure her tenacity would beat the disease. Dammit! Hugs to you..Judy Summers, Palm Desert, CA...

November 16, 2013

Judy Jasper

Dear Pierre,

Roger and I send our deepest condolences to you and the family. I knew Jennifer since 1987. She was a remarkable person who made a difference. I have cherished her friendship over the years and will miss her vibrancy, optimism and humour. She has left us far too soon.

With sincerest sympathy,

November 16, 2013

Marc , please extend to your family our sincerest condolences. Karen and Charles Graham(Cheaterville, ON)

November 16, 2013

Michael & Gillian Flavell

Dear Pierre,
We are so very sorry for your heartbreak, the loss to you and your family must be very great. We know you will keep Jennifer close with all the good memories you shared together.
Our very best wishes to you,
Michael & Gillian

November 16, 2013

Jennifer exuded compassion and kindness to many over her years in public service and law!

She was truly brave and unselfish!

We will always cherish her friendship, and send condolences to Pierre and family.

Brian RD Smith

November 16, 2013

Pierre,
My sympathies to you and your family.
Take care.
George Waggott.

Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results

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