Sister Lilian Bernard Lynch

Sister Lilian Bernard Lynch, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, went to her eternal home on April 3, 2025. Sister Lilian, a native of Cork, Ireland, was born September 27, 1936, to parents Mary Elizabeth “Lilian” and Bernard Lynch. She grew up in a loving Catholic family which influenced her faith and vocation. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Maureen and Moira, her brothers Tom, Liam, Richard, Fergal, Oliver and Brother Barry C.F.C, and two beloved nephews. She will be missed by her godchildren Joe, Chris, Kathy, Susan, and her niece, Ethel, who was named in her honor, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins located in Cork, Ireland, and New York. Sister Lilian leaves behind her Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Community and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Associates. Sister Lilian began her life with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady in 1958. Her initial religious formation was in England, Scotland and France. After making her first vows in 1961, she moved to the United States and became a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She made her perpetual profession in 1964. Her life’s work and ministry spanned many decades touching countless individuals with her faith, tenacity and wit. She continued her religious formation and academic studies in the United States and Rome. She completed her nursing degree from Marillac College, St. Louis. Known as “The West Point for Nuns,” Marillac College prepared her well for a distinguished nursing career. She was actively involved in the leadership of the North American Region, serving as a Regional Councilor and devoting herself to the formation of Novices. Sr. Lilian’s ministries were deeply rooted in Gospel and Franciscan values and principles. Her solidarity with the poor and home bound reflected her profound empathy and dedication. Her great love for her Franciscan ministry was further evident in her contributions to develop the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Education and Health System. Sister Lilian served as Director of the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. This work began her lifelong support for eye disease and care for the visually impaired. She was a tireless advocate for crucial resources and played a pivotal role in establishing the Baton Rouge Regional Eye Bank, a nonprofit organization supplying donor ocular tissue to local ophthalmologists for restoring vision. In 2004, Sister Lilian was honored for her commitment to the Eye Bank when its Board of Directors established the Sister Lilian Lynch Visionary Award. This award recognizes outstanding Eye Bank volunteers, a fitting tribute for Sister Lilian’s remarkable contributions. At the St. Francis Chapel, located on the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady grounds, Sister Lilian facilitated all the services for many years. She loved and cherished her Sacristans and Readers, with special fondness for Francis Guglielmo, Gerard Barrow, and Vicky Broussard. The many people who attended Mass were family and friends to her and all were lifted in her prayers daily. She enjoyed having Legatus here at the St. Francis Chapel and recalled their time fondly. Thank you to the many priests who came celebrate Mass, and to the cantors, and musicians. Thank you to the Franciscan Sisters, Our Lady of the Lake Emergency Department, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Medicine, Chuck Spicer, Nicole Telhiard, and the many physicians, nurses, medical professionals, Chaplains and care team at Our Lady of the Lake. Sister Lilian knew well your excellent care and kindness. Thank you to the Care Teams at Ollie Steele Burden Nursing Facility and Flex Choice, and thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge for your care and sensitivity. Thank you also to all the team members at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System who ministered with her over the years. Truly living St. Francis’ spirit, Sister Lillian had special affection for God’s creatures in particular an orange tabby cat named “Sunny.” He misses her. Sister Lilian’s life was a testament to the power of vision and compassion. Her legacy will continue to inspire and impact countless lives through the gifts she has given her the Church and Community. Visitation at St. Francis Chapel 4200 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge. Sunday, April 6, from 4:30PM- 7:00PM. Rosary at 6:00PM. Visitation will continue on Monday, April 7 from 10 am until service begins. Celebration of Christian Burial Mass at St. Frances Chapel Monday April 7 at 12:30PM. Following Mass, Burial at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Retirement Fund for Religious (https://retiredreligious.org/), the Eye Bank of Baton Rouge (7777 Hennessy Blvd #1005, Baton Rouge, LA 70808), or your charity of choice. Special thanks to Rabenhorst Funeral Home for their dedication and respectfulness.