Catherine T. Lynch

Catherine T. Lynch (nee McGuire), age 87, of Flushing, NY a beautiful and generous wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on September 2, 2018 in the comfort of her loving family who will miss her smiles, tender words, kind blue eyes and goodness. Her children and sons-in-law were privileged to help care for her in their homes during the last year and a half.

Born on December 3, 1930 to Michael and Rose McGuire (nee Finnegan), Catherine lived most of her life at the corner of Parsons Boulevard and Sanford Avenue in Flushing, and attended St. Michael’s RC Church and grammar school. She had wonderful memories of good neighbors and friends in Flushing.

She is survived by her loving husband Daniel F. Lynch (Dan) from Park Slope, Brooklyn who met his bride in the Irish Alps in East Durham. He was the owners’ nephew at Erin’s Melody Hotel where they both worked summer jobs. They married almost 64 years ago on October 2, 1954 and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, and the Poconos where they later bought a small cabin. Catherine loved City life, however, so when they visited the quiet countryside she made sure there were lots of children, grandchildren and other family members there to hang out with.

Catherine was pre-deceased by her brother Philip, sister Elizabeth, brother-in-law Arthur O’Connor, and her best friend and sister-in-law Dolores (Dee) McGuire. She is survived by her sister Rosemary O’Connor; her brother James McGuire; her son: Daniel J. Lynch (Anne Marie Schettini-Lynch); her daughters: Kathleen Martens (Joseph), Bernadette Rafferty, Mary Coster (John), Rosemary Pumilia (Thomas), Barbara McManus (Christopher); her daughter-in-law Denise Lynch (nee Bertrand); and Henry (Hank) Ludwicki. Catherine’s circle of friends naturally expanded to include the extended families of her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law who she embraced and welcomed into the Lynch family. She enjoyed Christmas Eve dinners for many years at the Schettinis, and the company of the Raffertys at family functions.

One of Catherine’s and Dan’s many gifts to their children (and the strength of their marriage) is how they overcame their own personal struggles, and accepted life’s inevitable tragedy and loss. Catherine taught us to appreciate people, value the beauty of everyday life, and celebrate the happy events in our lives. Catherine’s and Dan’s example helped us cope with the recent death of their #1 son-in-law John (Stymie) Rafferty; the untimely death from breast cancer of their sweet and strong youngest daughter Maureen Ludwicki; and the sudden death of their brave youngest son Michael F. Lynch on 9-11 (Ladder 4, Engine 54).

Catherine was very proud of her twenty surviving grandchildren and their accomplishments. She loved taking care of them when they were little, and hearing about their lives and adventures as they grew up. She was happiest when all were gathered together at family parties. They are: Marcelle, Julia and Liam Martens; Kerry and Michael Rafferty and Kathryn Rafferty Meara (Daniel); John, Andrew, Daniel and Christina Coster; Nicholas and Olivia Pumilia; Emily and Michaela McManus; McKenzie and Skylar Lynch; Morgan and Henry (Hank) Ludwicki; Michael and Jack Lynch, and their little sister Elizabeth who brought Catherine joy.

She is also survived by many McGuire and O’Connor loving nieces and nephews and their spouses, and grandnieces and grandnephews, who all know they were special to Aunt Catherine.

There are cousins in County Cavan and County Galway, and in Cardiff, Wales who will miss her. Dan is the planner; they were fortunate to take many trips to Europe and especially loved traveling to Ireland.

Catherine was well-read and could discuss any subject with you. She received an excellent education at Flushing High School and went right to work at Metropolitan Life Insurance in Manhattan where she made lifelong friends. After marrying she stayed home to raise eight children. When Catherine’s youngest child, Michael, started the First Grade she began working at a local bank in Flushing. This meant Catherine got to know and befriend even more people in her neighborhood. In those days it was always torture for her children to walk down to Main Street with her because she would stop every block to chat with friends. Catherine loved working but preferred the offices in Manhattan and didn’t mind taking the #7 line, in part, because she could read on the subway. She also loved walking about the City. Her last position was on the switchboard at Rolex on 5th Avenue where she stayed for about 15 years. Her husband and children persuaded her to retire when she turned 80, so Dan could take care of her.

She was wise, perceptive and a very good listener. Your story was always important to her and it became her story. Catherine was an easy person to love.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Quinn - Fogarty Funeral Home located at 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358 on Tuesday September 4th from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday September 5th from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and to attend a Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Catherine’s life on Thursday September 6th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s RC Church located at 138-65 Barclay Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fresh Meadows, NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant House NY which was Catherine’s favorite charity.