#Middlebury
Educator
Mrs. Barbara H. Lynch, 94, of Watertown, went home to heaven on Sunday, June 5, 2022. She was the wife of the late Harold “Hal” S. Lynch Jr.
Barbara was born in Medford, Massachusetts, on March 31, 1928, a daughter of the late Edwin D. Harrington and Catherine (Coyne) Harrington.
Barbara was a 1946 graduate of St. John’s High School in North Cambridge, Massachusetts, and graduated from Emmanuel College in 1950 with a degree in biology. After several years of working in laboratories in Boston, Massachusetts, and Ithaca, New York, Barbara earned a master’s degree in education from Cornell University, where she met her husband, Hal. She returned to school later in her teaching career and graduated from Southern Connecticut State College with a sixth year professional diploma in classroom specialist.
Barbara taught kindergarten in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before moving back to Connecticut in 1965. She taught in Woodbury and then found her long-term home at Judson School in Watertown. Barbara loved teaching third grade. She filled her classroom with joy, creativity and enthusiasm. Barbara’s students learned their multiplication facts, cursive writing and to respect themselves and others. She was thrilled each time she met a former student, especially after her retirement in 1992.
Barbara and her beloved Hal embarked on many travel adventures after retirement. They enjoyed trips to Europe and various destinations across the United States. Each trip brought stacks of photos and happy memories. Barbara swam and did water aerobics for many years at Post University and was part of a fun group of “pool pals.” Throughout her life, Barbara was known for her unrivaled whistling ability and her spontaneous recitations of poetry, often of her own authorship.
In 2009, Barbara moved from Middlebury to make her home with her daughter, Rona C. Lynch, son-in-law Craig D. Durgy, grandson Ned and granddaughter Sarah in Watertown. Ned and Sarah treasured their grandma’s unwavering love, support and encouragement.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Hal, and her cherished son, Thomas E. Lynch. She was also predeceased by her brother, Edwin “Teddy” Harrington, and sister, Rona Drake.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Rona C. Lynch (Craig) and grandchildren Ned and Sarah. She is also survived by her son, Christopher J. Lynch (Katie) and grandchildren Tom, John, Colleen and Kathleen, as well as by grandchildren Michael and Kelly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 21, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church at 574 Main St. in Watertown. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Barbara’s name to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 (support.woundedwarriorproject.org). For more information, visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com.
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