Barbara Ellen Lynch

Barbara Lynch died peacefully on May 16 in Encinitas, California. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones throughout the week as they celebrated Mother’s Day. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara was the third child of Thomas J. Schoeck and Blanche Boyd Schoeck. At the age of four, following the sudden death of her mother, she was sent to Tecumseh, Michigan to be raised by her beloved grandmother, Martha Boyd, and her maternal Aunt Agnes and Uncle Lynn Harris. She excelled in school, was the valedictorian of Tecumseh High School, and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (BS/RN Nursing). At the University Hospital, her elegant beauty and gentle smile caught the eye of a young surgical resident, John D. Lynch (Jack). They married and moved to sunny Southern California, where Jack settled into a general surgery practice in San Bernardino. At the base of the snow-capped mountains, surrounded by her beautiful gardens and fruit trees, Barbara spent many happy days caring for and spoiling both her husband and children. Barbara’s limitless love and patience, as well as her accepting nature and wry sense of humor, made her an exceptional friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed the outdoors, great literature, classical music, opera, and a good laugh. A devout Christian, she carried her faith quietly and confidently throughout her life. She was ordained an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in San Bernardino and later became an active member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Carlsbad. When Jack retired, Barbara bid goodbye to the community she loved and plunged head-long into turning “the beach house” into a warm and welcoming home. It was there that Barbara graciously hosted numerable boisterous family get-togethers for a crowd that grew in number over the years. The beach, sand, and surf were only a prelude to the main event: enormous buffet-style dinners prepared for happy, hungry sun-burned friends; everyone talking all at once, watching the sun dip into the ocean, and enjoying the sounds of loud music and children laughing in the background. Barbara loved the ever-changing nature of the ocean and appreciated the miracle of every sunset. But, more than anything, she valued getting to know and love every one of her grandchildren. After she was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, she endured extensive medical treatment for years without complaint or self-pity. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her brother, Thomas and her sister, Bette Platt. She is survived by her half-sister, Diane Wright (Robert); her children: Mike, John, Peggy, Eileen, and Jennifer (Bill); her nieces, Karen and Robin Schoeck; her nephew, David Platt; and her grandchildren: Elise, Zachary, Annika, Daniel, Michael, Emma and Alexandra. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Lynch side of the family. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 9, at 1 pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 7807 Centella St, Carlsbad, CA 92008. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church.