Rosemary Eileen Lynch, loving sister, daughter, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly of heart disease at the age of 57 at her home in Jersey City on Friday, June 19th, 2020
Rosemary was born on August 31st 1962 to Thomas and Rosemary G. (Gotsch) Lynch in Neptune, New Jersey. A native of the Jersey Shore, she grew up in Allenhurst and Spring Lake. Rosemary graduated from Manasquan High School in 1980, The Catholic University of America in 1984, and the Western New England College School of Law in 1987. Rosemary practiced law for several years in New Jersey and New York before embarking on a career in Human Resources at several blue chip companies.
Rosemary was a talented musician, with a beautiful soprano voice as well as player of the flute, piccolo, and piano. She participated in musical theater throughout school with featured roles in numerous musicals. As a member of the competitive choir at Catholic University, she sang a solo under conductor Mstislav Rostropovich, and performed regularly at Mary’s Shrine and Grill (aka the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC).
She was also a member of many local musical societies, as a founding member of Mary’s Canaries community choir in Sea Girt in the 1980’s and also in the Atlantic Wind Ensemble in Ocean Grove. She loved playing under Harry Eichhorn‘s direction, especially her piccolo solo in Sousa’s rousing Stars & Stripes Forever in the Ocean Grove Auditorium. Her rendition of “Ja, Vi Elsker” to her many Norwegian friends will be remembered fondly, as will her performance of ‘Ave Maria ‘ at so many weddings of her extended family.
Rosemary had a passion for social justice and feminist causes in addition to politics generally. Always keen to support her girls, she backed many workplace initiatives including ‘Take Your Daughter to Work’. While at Catholic University, she interned for Congressman James J. Howard which she enjoyed immensely.
In her later years, she added to her circle of families with her beloved bus posse. She loved living with her girls on their side of the street, with the boys from their dorm across the road, adding singing and laughter to their lives.
Rosemary found the most joy in her family and friends, putting them first throughout her life. She never missed a family occasion and made lifelong friendships everywhere she went. She opened her heart to everyone around her and drew them in with her infectious sense of humor and good spirit. Whether a family member or a co-worker, Rosemary always went out of her way to make you feel like the most important person in her world.
’Rory’ was preceded by her adored mother, Rosemary. She is survived by her father, Thomas, and step-mother, Bernadette Becker, and five siblings - Elizabeth King, Michele Lynch (Chris Wiley), Thomas (Mollie) Lynch, Erin (Chris) Tomasi, and Matt Becker, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, aunts, and uncles.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date more conducive to a safe and joyous celebration of Rosemary’s life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in Rosemary’s memory.
O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall Township is handling arrangements on behalf of the Lynch family.
To offer condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com