Margaret Ann Lynch

One of Nevada’s most recognized and accomplished advocates, Margaret Ann Lynch, passed on December 23, 2023. Born Margaret Ann Thompson on July 16, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas to Gordon Bish Thompson and Margaret Terhune Thompson, Ann was raised in Evansville, IN where she graduated from Bosse High School in 1952. She received her BA from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas in 1956

Ann moved to Las Vegas in 1959 and became one of Nevada’s most influential and effective community leaders. She married Thomas Lynch on June 25th, 1961, in the First Methodist Church in Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by husband Tom, son Edward, and brother Gordon T. Thompson. She is survived by her nephew Andrew Kerr-Thompson and cousin Karen Hinkle and many much-loved friends. Ann credits her joyful and successful life to her great parents and brother and most of all to her beloved Tom and Ed. She attributes the many blessings in her long life to her incredible, much-loved friends.

Ann’s successful career began at Evansville University, where she served as Public Relations Director from 1956-1959. Arriving in Las Vegas, she became the Director of Service Clubs at Nellis Airforce Base from 1959-1961 and then went on to become the District Director of Frontier Girl Scouts from 1961-1965. From 1965 to 2010, Ann worked for the Sunrise Health System, beginning as the Director of Volunteers and advancing to Vice President of Marketing and Government Affairs.

In addition to her work in healthcare, Ann was a strong advocate for children and education. Her work on behalf of education and children, including her position as President of the National PTA, led to the naming of a school in Las Vegas the Ann T Lynch Elementary School.

Ann was a member of many professional and fraternal organizations, including

Co-Founder of Sunrise Children’s Hospital Foundation

Nevada President and National President of PTA

Co-Founder Public Education Foundation

Co-Founder of Ronald McDonald House

Co-Founder of Las Vegas HEALS

Board Member of City of Las Vegas Block Foundation

Health Insight Board Member

Board Member Las Vantanas

Commissioner of Post Education Commission State of Nevada

Zeta Tau Alpha

Member of HOA Board

Ann’s tireless work on behalf of Nevadans earned her many community service awards, including lifetime achievement awards from the Public Education Foundation, In Business, Nevada Newsmakers, and the Clark County Commissioners. Additional awards include State of Nevada Great Child Advocate Award, Recognition of FBI Division Las Vegas, Clark County School District Unwavering support, Crystal Heart for the Women’s Heart , Women’s Hall of Fame Chamber of Commerce, University of Southern Nevada Champion of Health Care and Education, Evansville Bandenberg School Corporate Citizen of the Year, Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award, Junior League Humanitarian Award, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award, Las Ventanas Proven Leadership Award, Branding Iron Clark County Board of Commissioner, Award of Distinction for the Girl Scouts, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of Courtesy, Girl Scout Volunteer of Distinctions Award, Columbia Sunrise Hospital in Customer Service Award, Key to the City of Evansville Indiana , National Christian and Jewish Community Hero, Distinguished Service Award from Clark County Pro Bono Project, and Women’s Role Model Award from State of Nevada.

Ann’s wit, energy, compassion and intellect will be sorely missed by the many friends she made here.

Memorial donations made to:

Public Education Foundation

Sunrise Children’s Foundations

A visitation for Annie will be held Monday, February 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A committal service will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.