Geraldine Cronin Lynch

Rose Geraldine Cronin Lynch, lovingly known as Gere, was born May 19, 1926, to the late Harry and Hazel Cronin in Chicago, Illinois. She was the 2nd of four daughters, who included Pat Cronin Yesulaitis, Joan Cronin Walsh and Susan Cronin Cheski, all deceased.

The love of her life, Timothy J. Lynch, passed away in December 1985. She is survived by her six children, Patsy Lynch, Kathy Harris (Steve, deceased), Monica Barry (Daniel), Moira Lynch, Timothy C. Lynch (Julie) and Christopher Lynch, her 8 grandchildren: Danny and Timmy Barry, Meghan Barry McKee (Ryan), Jack and Mat Harris, Emma, Caitlin, and Adam Lynch and one great grandson, Henry Alexander McKee as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gere began her love of learning in her home parish of St. Angela’s school in Chicago. She went to boarding school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She then attended Clark College, Northwestern and finally, Catholic University, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Speech and Drama and her graduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

Gere met Tim at a bar in DC while attending Catholic University in DC. Shortly after, they married in 1950, and moved to Bethesda to raise their children. Before starting a family, Gere worked for CBS radio and later worked for more than 30 years in Montgomery County schools as a Speech pathologist.

Gere was a member of Kenwood Country Club where one could find her cheering for her kids and grandchildren’s swim and dive teams, reading romance novels in the shade or having a Cuttysark with a twist and dinner with friends. She was always up for a lively conversation and a good laugh.

She was a devout member of the Church of the Little Flower Parish, a daily mass attendant, a Eucharistic minister, a member of the choir, and a key member of the Mystical Rose Society. She also volunteered at the Immaculate Conception Parish in DC, establishing a library for the school, and tutoring many young children. She was also a dedicated member of the Christ Child Society for more than 40 years.

Gere was admired for her intelligence, kindness, humility, sense of humor, as well as her independence and her ability to bring people together. Everyone who knew Gere counted her as a friend or a mentor. For 95 years she had a personality that commanded attention. She was someone that everyone wanted at their party or event because she was good company and was so generous with her time and affection. Although she will be greatly missed, her memory is a blessing to us all.

Visitation will be held at the Church of the Little Flower, in Bethesda, MD on Tuesday, November 2nd from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. A Catholic Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd at noon at the Church of the Little Flower. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 2 PM. While all are welcomed to attend the burial, we are hoping to keep it to mostly family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Christ Child Society, https://www.nationalchristchild.org/