Mary Kathleen Lynch

1951 - 2025

Mary Kathleen Lynch
October 21, 1951 - November 6, 2025
Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Lynch, 74, of Pearson, TX peacefully slipped the bonds of Earth surrounded by loved ones on November 6, 2025. She will be remembered for her grace, compassion, and patience; qualities which shone in both her personal life, and her careers.

Born on October 21, 1951 in East Orange, New Jersey, Kathy came to Texas to escape northeastern winters and attend the University of Houston. She first met Arthur E. Lynch Jr. in the Fall of 1971 and he asked her if she would type up some school papers for him because he was a terrible typist. One thing lead to another and a Valentine's Day 1972 first date led to their wedding on December 22, 1973. They remained happily married for the following 52-plus years during which they raised two daughters, and many cats.

During her career, Kathy started as a Food Stamp Eligibility Case Worker in Houston, eventually transferring to the Pearsall office as a Medicaid Case Worker. She later became a Supervisor in the Hondo office. Kathy then transferred to San Antonio, first writing Texas Medicaid policy for the Department of Human Services, then enforcing state Medicaid policy by advocating for Medicaid applicants. After retiring from DHS she obtained certification as a Special Ed teacher and worked at Lytle ISD for a year. Then she got an offer from Texas Certified Elder Law Attorney, Patty Flora Stichler to be Case Manager for her practice. She took the offer and worked with Patty for years, along the way co-authoring the first instructional manual on Kid's Medicaid Benefits in Texas.

Art and Kathy bought a small house in Pearson, Texas in January of 1977 and built their lives and family there. The family grew and so did the house. It is a house and family that love built.

Those fortunate enough to call her friend or family, knew Kathy could be relied upon for thoughtful guidance, a good book recommendation, and an observant quip about the state of the world.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Art; her sister, Sharon; her daughters Jess, and Liz; and two beloved grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris C. and Thomas J. Riley Jr.

Arrangements were made by The Neptune Society. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.