Lidia Lynch

Lidia F. Lynch, cherished wife, mother, grandparent "Lita", sister and friend, passed away peacefully at Winter Haven Hospital on February 15, 2025. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.
Born on May 25, 1957, in the Dominican Republic, Lidia was the beloved daughter of her proud parents Danilo and Lidia "Liana" DeSoto. Though trained as a physician, Lidia's passion for learning led her to a fulfilling career in education. She is fondly remembered by her students at St. Teresa of Avila Middle School and Bishop Maginn High School in Albany, New York, and her colleagues who became some of her closest friends.
Lidia, affectionately known to her family as Lita, married Dr. Joseph Lynch, her high school sweetheart, in 1980, on Long Island, New York. Together they built a family that was truly her pride and joy. Lidia wanted nothing more than to see her three children and their families happy and cared for. She was the very essence of selflessness, ensuring that everyone else's needs were met before her own. Lidia had a deep love for adventure and nature, enjoying travel, music, skiing (especially the lodge!), and camping –hobbies she shared with all of her children.
Lidia was a force to be reckoned with. She was as smart, quick-witted and funny, as she was generous, compassionate and kind. Her laugh lit up any room she walked into. She delighted in calling her children with silly stories or sending them funny gifts – anything to bring laughter and joy, even on the greyest of days. The only thing she ever requested was a fridge magnet in return!
Her eldest daughter Samantha will miss Lidia's love of musicals, which inspired her love of every music genre. Sam fondly remembers her mother playing the piano as a morning alarm before school. Lidia's son Joey, who lives in New York, will miss her evening phone calls, a ritual he unknowingly grew to love over the years apart. Her youngest daughter Jessica will miss the chaos of their lively board game nights and the playful bets they made, too often resulting in Lidia's victory.
Lidia did nothing by halves. She embraced every occasion as one to be celebrated, and every event as an opportunity for the spectacular. In fact, she married Joseph a total of four times just to have another opportunity to celebrate their love. This flair for the theatrical remained true even in her final moments, passing away just minutes after her beloved father, Danilo Desoto, in a poignant Grand Finale – one that leaves her family with a sense of comfort and awe.
Lidia is survived by her husband, Joseph J. Lynch; her daughter, Samantha Lauricella Frener (Gil Frener); her son, Joseph D. Lynch (Kristina Wieneke); her daughter, Jessica Mehleisen (Chris Mehleisen)l; her beloved grandchildren, Vi, James, Leilene, Sofia, Leila, Cristiano, Darian and Killian; her sisters, Josefina Bonanno (Anthony Bonanno), Ana Scudellari (David Scudellari) and Maria Hershman (Kenneth Hershman); and her many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. She was blessed with the deep and lasting friendship of Ashe, who brought her great joy, and had a special bond with her daughter-in-law, Kristina, who will miss Lidia's daily messages and encouragement.
Lidia was preceded in death by her parents, Danilo and Lidia "Liana" DeSoto; her brother, who she missed deeply Danilo DeSoto and Samantha's late husband, Joseph Lauricella. We find comfort in knowing that Lidia will be reunited with them.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, February 26, at 9am, at St. Matthew's Church in Winter Haven, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lighthouse for the Blind, a cause close to Lidia's heart.
Lidia leaves behind a legacy of love, coupled with unshakable faith and firm convictions. A legacy is not measured by the monumental things or achievements. It is the indelible mark one leaves on the hearts of those they love and those who love them. Lidia truly left an imprint on the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to know her and to love her.
Lidia's presence is already deeply missed, leaving the world a lot less colorful, but a little more organized.
Lita's family knows she will be waiting for them on Mars.