Lynn Gagan

1935 - 2021

Lynn O'Brien Gagan
February 21, 1935 - June 4, 2021
Lynn Jane O'Brien Gagan, as she was endearingly called by her husband, and Mimi as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, went to God peacefully on June 4, 2021, at the age of 86. Lynn spent her final weeks surrounded by her clan that she loved so deeply. In heaven she joins her parents Martin and Ruth "Roosh" O'Brien; her brothers, Marty (Jean) and Dick (Virginia) O'Brien; her nephew Michael O'Brien; her in-laws, Brian and Josephine "Grandma Jo" Gagan; her brother-in-law, Jack Braswell and sister-in-law, Pat Gagan.

She is survived by Brian, her husband of 64 years; her six children, Susan (Danny), Tracey (Martin), Brian (Annie), Kevin (Suzanne), Mark (Christy) and John; her 13 wonderful grandchildren, Christian, Jeremy, Emily, Carolyn, Tobias, Nick, Will, Maria, Matt, Katlin, Rebecca, Kieran, and Aisling; her sister and best friend, Ruthie Gallagher; her sisters-in-law, Joey Hardin and Kathy Braswell; her brother-in-law, Rev. Charles "Uncle Charlie" Gagan, S.J; and many loved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Lynn was a third generation San Franciscan and spent 81 of her 86 years there. She attended Ecole Notre Dame Des Victoires, Convent of the Sacred Heart high school, and earned a degree from San Francisco College for Women which is now part of the University of San Francisco. Lynn then pursued careers where she could serve others which became her life's theme. She worked for Catholic Social Services and then in parochial school administration. Later, she followed a passion for the importance of home and became a real estate agent, where she always put her clients first.

Lynn set herself apart in the way she lived her beliefs. While working and raising six kids, she volunteered as if she had nothing but time on her hands. During the AIDS epidemic which hit San Francisco so hard, Lynn delivered dinners two nights a week to those in need. For decades she cooked meals for the Center for Runaway Teens. Lynn was a volunteer for the United Farm Workers in its early years and was committed to their cause; in fact, her children were never allowed to eat grapes until the UFW had unionized and ratified a contract. Lynn always advocated for the underdog unless they were playing her beloved San Francisco 49ers or Giants. Above all Lynn valued providing education and spending quality time with her family.

Lynn's devotion to the Blessed Mother always sustained her faith, especially in her last days as Parkinson's Disease took her mobility away. To know Lynn was to know you were in her prayers (and still are!). Because of her strength, the road rose up to meet her; the wind was always at her back; the sunshine fell warm upon her face; the rains fell soft upon her fields. And now until we meet again, May God hold Lynn in the hollow of His Hand. We love you!

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Mass for Lynn on Sunday, July 25th at 1 pm at St. Ignatius Church, located at the University of San Francisco, 650 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118. A reception hosted by Lynn's family will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers donations are preferred to the Homeless Prenatal Program (homelessprenatal.org) or to a charity of your choice.