Matriarch of the Lynch Family, Irene M. Lynch, Dies at 93

Matriarch of the Lynch Family, Irene M. Lynch, Dies at 93

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Irene M. Lynch on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, at the age of 93. Irene passed peacefully at her home at the Wingate Residences on the East Side with her caregivers at her side. 

Irene was predeceased in 2007 by her husband of 53 years and best friend, Dennis M. Lynch, the former Mayor of the City of Pawtucket. Irene’s heart was first broken in 1989 when she was predeceased by her son, Dennis M. Lynch, Jr. 

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Irene is survived by her children - daughter-in-law Laura A. Lynch, William J. Lynch (and his wife, Lynn) of Pawtucket, RI, Ann L. Dugan, of North Providence, RI, Linda I. Lynch, of Lincoln, RI, John C. Lynch (and his wife, Mary-Kathryn) of Seekonk, MA, Margaret M. Lynch-Gadaleta of Warwick, RI and Patrick C. Lynch of Barrington, RI. Irene was the proud Grandmother to 17 and Great-grandmother (“GiGi Irene”) to 10. 

Irene was the daughter of Alexander Duncan MacIsaac and Ann K. Boyle, both immigrants from Anitgonish County, Nova Scotia. Irene leaves two sisters and best friends: Eleanor Burns of Warwick, RI and Lorraine Lonergan of Naples, FL. She was predeceased by her beloved brothers: Dr. Alexander MacIsaac and Noel MacIsaac. Irene also leaves many nieces and nephews and incredibly good lifelong friends, including her friends for over 60 years in the “Supper Club”. 

Irene was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI and was a graduate of the Pawtucket East High School. From her earliest years on Brewster Street to her marrying Dennis and raising her family on Walcott Street - Irene loved the city of Pawtucket. Irene was an unabashedly faith-filled woman. She was a shining example of how to live the Faith. As a kid, you could sneak a peak in her bedroom on any random night and see Mom kneeling bedside saying her prayers. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Pawtucket and later in life, a parishioner of St. Margaret Parish in Rumford. 

Irene’s young professional career started at the New York Lace Store where she met a couple of lifelong friends. That career path was paused so that she could pursue her vocation of being a mother and raising her family. Her priority in life was always her role as wife and mother. Later that energy and commitment was channeled toward her 17 grandchildren as she became the number one fan for each of them in their individual sports or other pursuits.

She would rarely miss a CYO or high school game if one of her grandkids were involved.  

Irene loved to cook and to share meals with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or family friends. If she thought you needed a good meal, she would whip up her dish of “Chicken Irene” or throw a pot roast together in no time. Those dinners would always be accompanied by multiple vegetables, baked stuffed potatoes, and, of course, a homemade apple pie and ice cream. She was mind-bogglingly efficient! She also enjoyed equally just throwing together an impromptu wine and cheese hour. Those times would include, miraculously, multiple dips, cheeses, crackers, and, of course, a white wine “with rocks on the side”(!). She always enjoyed being in the company of her daughters-in-law- Laura, who shopped with her on Fridays, Lynn, Kate, and the late Christin, whom she cherished as her own daughters. 

Irene began her professional career in earnest in 1980 when she started working for and with her son Dennis at Manhattan Housing. She brought caring, patience and joy to her role at Manhattan for over 42 years with sons Dennis and John.  

Our family thanks the staff and caregivers at the Wingate Residences on the East Side, the nurses, social workers and chaplain from Hope Hospice and Irene’s caregivers, Nery Almonte, the staff at Home Instead, Helping Hands and Pathways Healthcare. 

Irene’s funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford, RI on Saturday, September 14th at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pawtucket, RI. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

 

In lieu of flowers, Irene’s wishes were to make donations to: the Dennis M. Lynch, Jr. Scholarship Fund at St. Raphael Academy, 123 Walcott St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 or to the Nancy and Paul Healey Scholarship Fund at Bishop Feehan High School, 70 Holcott Dr., Attleboro, MA 02703.