Mary Lynn Rich

Mary Lynn Rich (Jansa) was born on March 19, 1944, in San Jose, California, to Helen and Cliff Jansa of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, surrounded by her family.

Known to everyone simply as Lynn, she was raised in Sioux Falls alongside her seven younger siblings—Steve, Peggy, Catie, Mark, Dave, Sue, and Tom. Growing up in a large, close-knit family shaped the generosity, resilience, and love for others that defined her life. She graduated from O'Gorman Catholic School in Sioux Falls, where her strong faith and values were firmly rooted.

On August 29, 1964, Lynn married David Rich. Together they built a loving, fun and happy family. They welcomed three children—Jeff, Mia, and Mary Pat—and in 1971 moved their family to Dallas, Texas.

Lynn enjoyed a career that began in the apparel industry at Center Stage and later at Allison Collectibles, where she formed treasured lifelong friendships. She concluded her professional career at Medical City Dallas, retiring in 1995 to devote more time to her family and the passions that brought her joy.

A gifted seamstress with endless creativity, Lynn found happiness in making beautiful things with her hands. She loved antiquing and quilting with her sisters, sewing doll clothes, and creating handmade gifts that became cherished keepsakes for her grandchildren. Every stitch reflected her generous heart. Her talents also became a ministry of compassion as she lovingly crafted purses for young schoolgirls in Africa and hand-stitched toiletry bags for those in need, quietly sharing kindness with people she would never meet.

More than anything, Lynn treasured her family. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, an adoring grandmother, a caring sister, and a faithful friend. She found her greatest joy in simple moments spent with the people she loved most. Her gentle spirit and kindness touched many lives and left a legacy that will be forever remembered.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that Lynn's faith sustained her throughout her life and that she is now reunited with those who went before her. Her love will remain forever woven into the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Lynn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Rich; her cherished daughter, Mia; her sister, Catie; her brother-in-law, Phil Kearney; and her parents, Helen and Cliff Jansa. She is survived by her children Jeff (Aileen), Mary Pat (Alan), and son-in-law Joe Marcus, her ten grandchildren Ian, Andrew, Jack, Hannah, Rachel, Bronson, Marlon, Sydney, Jordan, and Delaney, six siblings Steve (Pam), Peggy, Mark (Fran), Dave (Becky), Sue (Dave), and Tom (Liz), her brother-in-law Steve Kearney, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Later this year, Lynn's remains will be interred alongside her husband at St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Lynn's life was a beautiful example of quiet service, enduring faith, and unconditional love. While she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in the countless memories she created, the lives she touched, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives in every act of kindness, every family tradition, and every life made better simply because she was part of it.