Barbara J. Lynch

LYNCH, BARBARA J. Barbara J. Lynch, of Branford, CT, devoted wife of J. Edward Lynch, died at home surrounded by her family on May 20, 2012, her 80th year. Born in New Haven, April 9, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Edith Jennette; beloved mother of Jay, Danny, Gary, Peter, Greg, David (d.), Steven, Stefanie, Polly and their spouses; beloved grandmother of 13 grandchildren; and sister of Peter and David Jennette. She earned a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology, Cum Laude, in 1954, from Central Connecticut State University. She received a Master's degree in counseling and school psychology in 1972 from Southern Connecticut State University, and a PhD in counseling psychology from Heed University of Florida in 1975. Barbara was a Professor Emeritus at Southern Connecticut State University, where she was the founder and director of the family therapy clinic and chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition, she brought the practice of structural family therapy to the university system of France. She was a past president of the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She was also a consultant to the New Haven Probate Court and numerous hospitals and clinics in Connecticut. She served on several boards as well. She was the author of several books, book chapters and professional journal and magazine articles. For many years, she also had a private therapy practice and conducted numerous therapy groups. Barbara was also an avid beader and jewelry-maker, who co-founded the Connecticut Bead Society and opened The Bead Hive, a retail store in Guilford. Her beadwork has appeared in numerous national and international beading magazines, and she has won a variety of awards for her beadwork. Among her passions were the Connecticut seashore, her therapy dog Madison, reading, travel, and holding court. She never met a story she couldn't embellish. She spent her last week eating oysters, ice cream sundaes, and hotdogs; making her way through every last catalog; answering emails; and making sure she looked good for her departure. She left this world with much love, dignity, style and a whole lot of laughs. Family and friends may call at the LUPINSKI FUNERAL HOME at 821 State Street in New Haven, on WEDNESDAY evening from 4pm-7pm. A Prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at 811 West Evergreen Ave., Suite 204, Chicago IL 60642 http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/donate or the Barbara J. Lynch Scholarship, CT Bead Society, P.O. Box 185, Guilford Ct 06437. Sign Barbara's guest book at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com