Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (Gavin) Lynch

Mary Elizabeth Lynch (Betty) died peacefully in her home in Janesville, Wisconsin, at the age of 94 on January 30th. Betty is survived by her children, Margaret Dugdale of Metuchen, NJ, Peter Lynch and his wife Jean of Ringoes, NJ, Carol Penna and her husband Michael of Janesville, WI, Bill Burns-Lynch and his wife Ann Murphy of Hamilton, NJ, David Lynch of Janesville, WI, and her daughter’s-in-law Evelyn Lynch, of Metuchen, NJ and Patty Burns-Lynch, of Philadelphia, PA. Betty is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Erin Dugdale, Jimmy Lynch, Matthew Lynch, Rebecca Clement, Alyssa Williamson, Mike Penna, Nicole Penna, Bethany Burns-Lynch, Claire Burns-Lynch, and Ashlyn Burns-Lynch. Betty had two great grandchildren, Harper Williamson and Noah Clement. She is preceded in death by her husband James Lynch and her eldest son, Port Authority Police Officer James Lynch; her parents Mildred and John Gavin and her siblings Dr. John Gavin, Dr. Robert Gavin, and the Reverend William Gavin, SJ.

Betty was born on May 4, 1926 in New Brunswick, NJ to Mildred and John Gavin. She graduated from Saint Peter’s High School in New Brunswick in 1942. She attended Trenton State College earning her teaching degree in 1945. Betty married James Lynch of New Brunswick in 1953 and settled in Edison, NJ where she raised her family.

Betty was a dedicated early elementary school teacher, spending her career in the New Brunswick public school system, finishing at the McKinely School as a first-grade teacher. Betty loved to travel, was a connoisseur of fine foods, played the piano, and enjoyed the opera. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them traveling, playing games (especially dominoes and blitz) and teaching them the finer elements of dining out! Betty was a brave, adventurous spirit who always looked to make the best of every situation. She faced a number of tragic losses in her life and always embraced the sorrow with an inner strength that allowed her to move forward. She was loved by many, family and friends alike, and will be greatly missed.

A private funeral and burial will be held without visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, February 6th, at 11:00 am (EST). The service will be broadcast live via Zoom. To join the service via Zoom, click or copy and paste the link below.

https://zoom.us/j/99021084165?pwd=SDhZZktKRmFDRU92dmwrM0FVNndvQT09 (Meeting ID: 990 2108 4165, Passcode: 591715)

Additionally, the family plans a memorial service later this year. In remembrance of Betty, if you so desire, please make a donation in her name to your local food pantry or other charity of your choice.

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