Eunice Baker Lynch

LYNCH Eunice Baker Lynch, age 85, of Rochester, Minn., died Wednesday, January 4, 2006, surrounded by family. Eunice was born January 25, 1920 in Bridgeport, the daughter of Royal and Alice Cavanagh Baker. Eunice grew up during the Great Depression. The hardships of that era helped forge her lifelong commitment to God, family and community, values that she instilled in her five children. Eunice graduated from Bassick High School in 1938. On May 31, 1941, she was united in marriage to Lloyd Parsons Lynch in Hamden. Shortly thereafter, the United States was at war. Like many individuals among "The Greatest Generation," Lloyd volunteered to serve his country, as did Eunice"s father, brother, sister and virtually all of her brothers-in-law. To help the effort, Eunice worked on the "home front" in a defense industry factory (GE). Times were tough, but determination prevailed. Lloyd returned home in late 1945 and life returned to normal. Her first child, Lloyd "Scott" was born in 1946, followed by Ross in 1951, Nancy in 1953, Terri in 1962 and Maureen in 1966. During the 1950s, Eunice and family lived in Shelton. In 1958, Lloyd was hired by IBM in Rochester, Minn. and the family moved west, initially settling in Hammond, where new and lasting friendships were formed. Although Eunice became a mid-westerner, she never lost her love of New England. She longed for the smell of ocean air, clam bakes, seafood and most of all, her family "back east." During the early 1960s, Eunice and her family moved to a farm in Oronoco area. Eunice was involved in full time childrearing and helping Lloyd with his various "farm related" endeavors. It was a fun time with young kids, older kids, great friends and numerous farm misadventures, providing many funny stories that would be told and retold over the years. During the mid 1960s, the family moved from the farm to a home in Oronoco. They continued to raise horses, but no other livestock. Lloyd passed away in 1989 and Eunice moved to a townhouse in Rochester in 1996 where she remained until her death. Throughout her life, she thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During the best of times or the worst of times, she was always available for her children. Her empathy and compassion was unconditional. Her counsel, particularly over a cup of tea, will be sorely missed. Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Royal and Alice Baker; her husband, Lloyd; her brother, Charles of Bridgeport; and her sister, Virginia of Atlanta, Ga. She is survived by her five children, Lloyd "Scott" (Carol) of Rochester, Ross (Ruth) of Waunakee, Wisc., Nancy Lohn (Bruce) of Shoreview, Minn., Terri Hoesley (Russ) of Fountain City, Wisc. and Maureen Long (Randy) of Rochester; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice Hiltz; and one brother, Roy Baker, both of Connecticut. Funeral Mass will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church, Rochester, Minn. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2006. Rev. Caesar Dralega will be officiating. Burial will be at the Oronoco Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ranfranz and Vince Funeral Home on Friday (TODAY) from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour before the Mass at the church on Saturday.