Caryl Lydia Lynch

She was the daughter of the late Charles T. and Carolyn E. (Boyle) Needham. Left behind to continue her legacy of love and kindness are her husband of 62 years, Dr. James C. Lynch, her children James C. Lynch, Jr and his wife Megan of Hanover, Nancy Lynch and her longtime partner Alice (Missy) Carey of Pembroke, William Lynch and his wife Jennifer of Stow, and Susan Lynch (O’Brien) of South Boston, along with her beloved grandchildren Katie, Mary Grace, Sarah, Allie, Kiersten, Joseph, and Bridget, brothers Peter Barry Needham and his wife Betty Ann of Randolph and Paul Bruce Needham and his wife Gayle of San Dimas, CA. Caryl also leaves her sisters-in-law, Rita Needham of Naples, FL and Marilyn (Meg) Needham of Duxbury, and her cousin and close friend Loretta Brady of Quincy. She was pre-deceased by, and is now reunited with, her parents, brothers Bob Needham and Charles Thomas (Chas) Needham, son-in-law Dan O’Brien, sister-in-law Rose Needham, nephew Bobby Needham and her great friend Alice Price. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, friends, and her beloved neighbors and “Bible Babes”, her “Walking with Purpose” Bible study group at her parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Dunedin, FL.

Born in Hyde Park, Caryl’s family bought a house in Randolph, MA, when she was in the 2nd grade. She raised her family and spent a total of over 50 years in Randolph and 25 wonderful years in retirement, beginning at their vacation home on Locke Lake in Center Barnstead, NH where they had spent weekends for over 10 years prior to relocating year-round there. After one winter of cold, snow and ice, they chose sunny and warm Dunedin, FL as their home where they remained until returning to MA this August to be closer to her family.

Caryl had the unique ability to bring a smile into any room and to any situation. Her positivity and genuine love for people enabled her to see the good in everyone and every situation. Her empathy for others was boundless and she was always there to listen, support others and cheer for the underdog.

Caryl was first and foremost a loyal and dedicated family woman. Her family was her pride and joy. She excelled in her role of wife and caretaker. She was born to nurture and mentor, and she began her career as a teacher until she traded it in for motherhood. The only thing she loved more than being a mother was being “Nannie” to her grandchildren, who affectionately named a group chat with her children and grandchildren “Nan’s Fans.”

Caryl had an insatiable love for reading and learning new things and embraced the newness of everything in Florida. She and Jim created a wonderful network of friends and neighbors in Dunedin, FL. She was an active member of the “Bible Babes”, whose love and support we are forever indebted to.

Those who knew her well marveled at her “organized chaos.” No matter what kind of gadget you were looking for, she had one. And she was somehow able to quickly retrieve it from the most unlikely place, often still in its original packaging from when she picked it up “on sale” 20 plus years ago. She also inherited her father’s inventiveness, often creating clever solutions and efficiencies for everyday situations.

Those whose lives she touched will never be the same without her presence. An eternal optimist, she knew how to make any day a great one and the world we know has been made better because of her. In honor of Caryl, please bestow kindness upon someone else, or simply root for the underdog- this will ensure that her legacy will withstand the test of time.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, Dec 17th 3:30 - 6:30 at DeWare Funeral Home, 576 Hancock Street Quincy. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy on Wednesday, December 18th at 11:00AM. Burial will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date.

Donations in Caryl name may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes 750 San Salvador Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698 or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.