Chamberlain,

Mary Helen

"Molly"

June 11, 1943 - August 18, 2025

Mary "Molly" Helen Chamberlain (nee Lynch) passed peacefully on August 18, 2025, at St. Ann's in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by family. She was born in Champaign, Illinois to Mary Christine "Chris" Lynch and Louis A. Lynch on June 11, 1943. Molly loved life, she was passionate about animals, and she cherished her friends. But most of all, she adored her family. She raised her son, John M. Chamberlain, and daughter, Margaret A. Chamberlain (Paul Van Oostenburg) in Niagara Falls, NY., and was never without a dog. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dr. John Patrick Lynch. She is survived by her children, her granddaughter, Adrienne Chamberlain, her sister-in-law, nieces and nephew. She is also survived by the extended family that welcomed her when she moved to Michigan to live near her daughter, including her grandchildren by marriage, Max Van Oostenburg (Riley Ravery) and Dana Van Oostenburg (Erin Friske and Tyler Salamasick).

Molly grew up in Manito, Illinois, and spent every summer with family on Washington Island, Wisconsin. She graduated from Parsons College in Iowa and taught 2nd grade at St. Teresa's School in Niagara Falls, NY. She then worked as an administrative assistant at St. Mary's Manor before taking the position of a Social Worker for the tenant consultation program at Spallino and White Water Towers in Niagara Falls in 1978. Molly spent the better part of her career as the Director of Volunteers, Safety Services and Youth Services at the Niagara Falls Chapter of the American Red Cross. Molly loved the outdoors and after her move to Michigan, was able to explore its forests, lakes and rivers with her family. She also fulfilled her dream of a road trip around Ireland with her daughter.

Molly loved helping people and dogs. She considered her work in helping to create the Lewiston, NY Dog Park in 2010, one of her greatest accomplishments. Everyone was welcome at Molly's house; for holiday meals, to sit on the porch, or to drink coffee in the kitchen. She was "Aunt Molly" to many, an honorific she cherished. She was an artist, a musician, and a story-teller. To call her lighthearted would be an understatement. She could be salty, she was a prankster, and her loud, contagious laughter will be missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Aug. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Chamberlain

11 Entries

Richard and Sheryl Alger

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Keoina Brown

August 25, 2025

Molly was one of the funniest ladies I have ever known. She had a punch line for all occasions. Her sharp wit drew you to her instantly. She loved people and she took no guff! I learned many great lessons from her, and I count it a privilege to have been in her presence.

Megan

August 25, 2025

I am so blessed to have gotten to know Molly. She will be greatly missed!

Timothy McQuade

Planted Trees

Carol Kaminski Reis

August 22, 2025

Dear Margaret
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Molly helped me and my boys through a very rough time in our life in Niagara Falls. I will always appreciate her friendship. She was a force and a classy lady. Rest in peace Ms. Molly.
Love and hugs, Carol Reis and Casey and Kristopher Kaminski

Tim McQuade

August 22, 2025

Margaret: I am sad at your mothers passing, she was truly a wonderful person. She helped many people at the Red Cross and in her kitchen. I'll never forget the memories of the times I spent with her. You can take solace in the fact that she touched many lives here in WNY and left a footprint on the earth. Love, Tim McQuade

Darlene (Ziemann) Morrow

August 22, 2025

To have had Molly as a friend is to have received a special blessing from the Lord. My twin sister Sharon and I met Molly when we were all freshmen at Knox College. Molly was that special person that you felt a kinship with the moment you met. Molly became more than a classmate and good friend; she was "family" in the best sense of the word. We shared our hearts, the joys and the frustrations, knowing that feelings shared were safe, and love covered everything. Despite the years that might pass between visits or phone calls, that friendship never diminished. When we next talked, it was as if only a day had passed. I would have to write a book to capture all the moments Molly made us laugh and feel good all over; Molly had the gift of joy, and she spread it around lavishly. Molly's joy, generosity, heart for animals, and concern for others will be so greatly missed. To her beautiful family I am praying for our gracious Lord to surround you with His love and fill your heart with His peace as you go through this very tender time of missing one who added so much to your lives. Take comfort in knowing how much you also meant to her.

Denise M.

August 20, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

LaRae Roundtree

August 19, 2025

I met Molly in the early 1970s when she and John and Margaret and the dog came to live in my big Victorian home in Niagara Falls. We became fast friends and so did our children. Our friendship lasted decades. Among my favorite memories was sharing blue cheese salad and a cup of tea having many laughs together. She has so many great recipes with acorn squash baked with italian sausage... my favorite!! And the funniest thing ever was Aunt Molly keeping everyone's phone number written all over her kitchen cupboards... before the remodel !! I love and will miss you Molly and will always cherish our wonderful years in WNY... GOD BLESS

Ann Lynch

August 19, 2025

You´ll be missed Molly. You were such a loyal sister to Pat, and he loved you dearly.
Your journey is over now, well done! Rest in peace. God bless.
Ann

Sherry Mastropietro

August 19, 2025

Good golly Ms Molly - I did not say goodbye. RIP you wonderful woman. You will be so missed.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results