Joanne K. Lynch

Joanne K. (ONeil) Lynch, of Wolfeboro, N.H., passed away peacefully in the safety and warmth of her New Hampshire home, September 26, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family, and overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, one of her favorite places. Joanne was born June 8, 1945, to John and Doris ONeil of Dorchester, Mass. She was raised in both Dorchester and Weymouth, Mass. Joanne graduated from Weymouth High School in 1963 and went on to receive her bachelors degree in Education from Bridgewater State College in 1967. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a school teacher and taught elementary school for the town of Weymouth. Her family was the driving force in her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and grandmother. Joanne, and her husband, Jack Lynch, raised their family in Duxbury, Mass. As a homemaker, Joanne created and worked tirelessly to provide a warm and loving home environment for her family, upon which, all of her energy and effort was focused. She also continued to express her enthusiasm for education by working on the Duxbury PTA and teaching CCD for the Holy Family Church. Joanne loved to travel and explore new regions. Since her husband was a Captain for Delta Airlines, Joanne was able to travel frequently with the Delta Pilots Wives Association, upon which she served as officer. Joanne truly enjoyed the water and boating on both Duxbury Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. She was an avid New England sports fan, and loved hockey in particular. She loved watching her sons play sports, and was always their greatest fan. Some of her hobbies included reading, crocheting, traveling, dining on seafood, and spending time with family, especially doting on her six grandchildren, all of whom called her Nana. She also loved the two family dogs, Parker and Grady. A special place for Joanne was Cape Cod, Mass. She had many fond memories of working and staying there during summers in college. Joannes faith was a strong presence in her life and provided her comfort during trying times. Her legacy will always be her family. Her warm heart and generous nature had a great impact on everyone, both family and friends. Joanne was preceded in death by her father, John ONeil, her mother, Doris ONeil, and her brother, Joseph ONeil. She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of forty-five years, Jack Lynch, of Wolfeboro, N.H.; her three beloved sons, Sean and his wife Lisa of Weymouth, Ryan and his wife Beth of Weymouth, and Chris and his wife Heather of Dover, N.H.; six grandchildren, Sean Pat, Erin, Abigail, Kathleen, Hannah, and Reagan; and a sister, Maureen Goodwin of Hanover; and two brothers, Jack ONeil of Sumter, S.C., and Larry ONeil of Cumming, Ga. A celebration of Joannes life will be held for family and friends October 4, 2014, at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, at 809 Main Street (across from South Shore Hospital), in South Weymouth. Visiting hours will be from 4-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will then be held in N.H., the following Monday, October 6, 2014, at the St. Katharine Drexel Church, located on Hidden Springs Road, in Alton, N.H., at 1 p.m. Interment and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, it was Joannes last wish to have donations made to her grandsons special needs trust fund. Joanne was a tremendous advocate for her grandson and his disability, Fragile X Syndrome. Donations can be made in Joannes memory and mailed to trustee Ryan Lynch, 101 Pond Street, Unit A, Weymouth, MA 02190. The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro, N.H., is assisting the family with the arrangements. To leave a note of condolences and sign an online guest book, go to www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com.