Known as the “face” of the Office of Gov. Robert P. Casey before she retired at the end of the governor’s term, Dee also worked for the Commonwealth in the Office of Auditor General. She began her working life as bookkeeper for Penn Fruit and Tastykake in her native Philadelphia.
She was the widow of the late John M. “Jack” Lynch, whom she regarded as her true love. After marrying in 1955, Jack’s position of reporter for the Associated Press took the newlyweds to a three-year assignment in Pittsburgh, followed by Jack’s promotion as the AP’s political reporter in Harrisburg.
Between jobs at the outset and the conclusion of her employment career, Dee enthusiastically filled her life with service to her family, her church, her friends and her community. She volunteered in several capacities, including assignments with Holy Spirit Hospital, the Lioness Club, the American Lung Association and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, as well as counseling support for the Bereavement Ministry of St. Margaret Mary parish.
Dee was born in Roxboro to the late Philip and Josephine Rothwein. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Helen Ignas, and two brothers, Philip and Harry Rothwein.
Dee is survived by her children, Frank (Lucy) Lynch, Leslie (Dennis) Miller, John (Mary) Lynch and Dan (Marna) Lynch, and by her brother Franny Rothwein, and sisters-in-law Marie Rothwein and Kathleen (Jack) Ross. Also left to celebrate her life are 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, Nov. 13, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, with the Rev. Leo M. Goodman officiating. A visitation will precede the service at 10 am. Friends may visit Dee’s family during a viewing from 3-5 pm Sunday at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neillharrisburg.com for the Lynch family.
