Garnet Lynch

GARNET LYNCH Ijamsville, Md. Garnet Lynch, 71, of Ijamsville, Md., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at Kline Hospice. She was born in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 25, 1947, to the late John and Jaquetta "Jackie" Dunwoody Jarard. On March 29, 2018, Garnet was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Garnet was married to Tom Lynch and was the mother to four grown sons and one daughter, Ted Marvin (Tasha), John "JC" Marvin (Jen), Dylan Marvin (Nick), Peter Marvin (Suzy) and Jami Cregan (Marc); grandmother to eight, Christopher, William, Ava, Olivia, Logan, Maddox, Ellison and Finley; sister to Peggy Lussow; sister-in-law to Anita Jarard; and had many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Patti Strenk; and two brothers, Bruce and Jim Jarard. Garnet graduated from the University of Iowa in 1969 and was a member of Alpha Phi. She taught in Johnson County, Iowa, for several years prior to moving to Maryland, where she taught in Frederick County from 1985 to 2014. Garnet taught at Hillcrest, Whittier and Tuscarora elementary schools. At all three schools, she was the fourth grade team leader and attended, and often led, the team leader meetings, served on the School Improvement Team to analyze data and to implement new curriculum and programs, worked with the PTA and presented programs to parents, and mentored dozens of teacher interns for Mount St. Mary's, Hood and other colleges and universities. She worked with highly able students and met with the Gifted and Talented staff for FCPS. She also mentored any new teacher at any grade level who would seek her out. She gave freely of her time, advice, suggestions and problem-solving ideas to staff and students. Garnet was awarded the Washington Post Agnes Meyers Frederick County Teacher of the Year in 1998. In 1999 at St. Louis, Garnet participated with educators, mayors and politicians from all over the U.S. in a three-day conference under the directive of President Bill Clinton to assess the state of the public school system in America. She retired in 2014. Garnet was an avid Orioles, Redskins and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Garnet and Tom traveled and enjoyed many blues festivals in the Midwest and East Coast. One of her true loves in life was enjoying the beach at Ocean City and Assateague Island. In retirement, she became a busy artist, starting Now and Then Arts and Crafts where she traveled to craft shows with Tom. She recently became a member of the Frederick Elks Lodge. A celebration of her life will be held at the Frederick Elks Lodge 684, 289 Willowdale Dr., Frederick, MD 21702. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Smith will officiate. There will be a light lunch provided at the lodge after the services. Guests are welcome to dress formally, creatively or in a way Garnet would enjoy. The family would like to thank the staff at Johns Hopkins, the James M. Stockman Cancer Institute, the Patty Pollatos Fund and, especially, the Kline Hospice House for the wonderful care they gave Garnet. A special thank-you to Elks Lodge 684 and the Frederick County Public Schools system for all of the support and prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Patty Pollatos Fund, c/o Debbie Williams, 22 S. Market St., Frederick, MD 21701. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.