Mary Ellen Lynch

Mary Ellen Lynch, Ellie to family and friends, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas, from complications of congestive heart failure. She is survived by husband, Adam Lynch; daughter, Laura Kresek and husband, John; son, David Lynch and wife, Jackie; and her granddaughter, Lindsey Seliy. Originally from a large family of nine sisters and a brother, her surviving sisters are Deloris Riley, Janice Petitte, Ruth Ann DeVincent and Barbara Reynolds. Born in Aliquippa, Ellie and her sisters spent most of her young life in Morgantown, W.Va. She married in 1955 at the age of 19 and lived several places during early married life including Lima, Ohio and Providence, R.I. Eventually, she and her husband returned to Pittsburgh and became longtime residents of the eastern suburbs mainly in or near Monroeville. Through the years Ellie worked in a variety of jobs including as a scheduler at a radio station, as the banquet manager of a successful restaurant, as a travel agent, and for many years as a reservationist for US Air. She would often say, however, that her best work was raising two children that she could be proud of and she considered this to be her greatest accomplishment. Indeed, her life's work became being the glue that held the Lynch family together through the devotion and care she provided to her family and many close friends over 60 years of marriage. She was at her happiest preparing a holiday meal or a dinner party for a wide circle of people, all of whom she considered to be her extended family. She was a true friend to many in need whether family, friends, or even sometimes just acquaintances that she knew needed help. She was the kind of person who gave of herself so that others could prosper. Not a stranger to hard work or illness, and often carrying the burdens of others, she faced life bravely and persevered. Her rallying cry was, "When the going gets tough, it's just right for us!" Her labors are now over. Her life's work is complete. May she rest in peace.
Ellie's ashes will be brought home to Pittsburgh from San Antonio, Texas by family members later this summer and a memorial service celebrating her life will take place at a future date that will be announced to family and friends at that time.