KATHERINE COLLINS LYNCH

KATHERINE COLLINS LYNCH

On June 9, 2012, Katherine Collins Lynch departed for Heaven without the courtesy of a goodbye notice, and without having prepared one last pot of her much-loved chicken and rice soup. If good-natured picking is allowed in Heaven the following survivors will protest this when they get to join Kathy, her daughter Stacie, and her parents (the late George Collins and Gladys Barnhill Collins) in their heavenly reunion: Her children, Ryan Lewis (wife Alexis, daughter Alena) and Katherine "Kate" Lewis Keith (husband Robin, daughter Katherine "Lilly" Heder); her niece, who she loved as a daughter, Katherine "Kristine" Peterson, (husband Philip, children Tyler, Blayne and Hayden); brother George Alvin Collins, Jr. (wife Sandi and children); Dale Lewis and wife Trudy.

A 1968 graduate of NHHS, Katherine took much joy in reconnecting with her classmates. She played piano for the Hanover Singers, a talent which she shared though years of teaching lessons and in her music ministry at Devon Park UMC. She worked at Eye Associates of Wilmington, lovingly fitting "her" patients in contact lenses.

In addition to all who knew her, the makers of frog stickers, authors of multi-pack cards, and the postal service will also mourn a loss as Kathy sustained her Mother's tradition of acknowledging every birthday and special moment in life with a hand-written card. With her children grown, she committed to the care of her ailing father and remained his constant advocate, at his side through his final breath. This loving service was returned to her by her completely spoiled dog Gavyn.

Katherine's amazing examples of love and selflessness will forever shape our lives. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, June 30th, at Pine Valley Baptist Church, 3940 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington. Following the service, we'll celebrate her "Homecoming" her favorite way- gathered round the piano for a good old "sing"- at Devon Park UMC, at 4:30.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy would rather you buy and fry a pack of extra crispy bacon and enjoy it over a Sun Drop with your family. If you'd prefer, send a card to someone who could use a special surprise in the mail. If you're opposed to pork and allergic to stamp glue, two charities serving kids she really loved are detailed on the "In Loving Memory of Katherine Collins Lynch" Facebook page. While there, please take a moment to post your special memories so that we can help capture and preserve her legacy for her grandchildren and beyond. Finally, think of a hymn or two you'd like to request, and we'll see you Saturday!

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Katherine Lynch.



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