Elizabeth J. Lynch, family matriarch
Elizabeth J. Lynch, 95, family matriarch and native of Lewes passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in the home her family has lived in since her birth. She was born on New Year’s Day, 1926, at Beebe Hospital, daughter of the late Meta (Green) and Preston Joseph.
When she was 3, her parents built one of the first cottages on Lewes Beach where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood. As a young adult, Lib spent summers helping children with special needs at the Children’s Beach House. Her family would move to the beach for the summer and return to their home, in town, after Labor Day.
Lib graduated from Lewes High School during WWII. She recalls living with blackout shades at her beach cottage. Lib attended Cedar Crest College. While raising her family, she worked at Marjorie Speakman’s Children Store in Greenville.
Both of her sons, George and Doug, cherish the times and love she shared with their friends, especially during their middle and high school years. In the most profound sense, Lib was “Mom” to all of them.
She returned to Lewes and worked for Sussex Trust Co. for many years. Thinking that retirement would be a time to relax, Lib was drawn to a part-time opportunity at Zwaanendael Museum. The time to relax would come at the age of 87.
Lib had a living history of Lewes, both robust and nuanced, and was always eager to share her knowledge. She was blessed with total and accurate recall. For many, she would become and remain a valuable source for a Lewes-centered historical perspective.
Her front porch, strategically located at 3rd and Market streets, was the epicenter for friends and relatives to enjoy a rocking chair chat.
Lib’s sister, Mary Louise, had two children, Mary Prentice Ingram Yff and William Schellenger Ingram III. For decades, her niece and nephew would share Sunday phone calls. These calls would become the foundation for a strong tie that is loving to this day.
In addition to her parents, Lib was predeceased by her husband, George T. Lynch Jr. of Georgetown; her brother, Capt. John P. Joseph (Eleanor); and sister, Mary Louise Ingram (William), all of Lewes. She is survived by her sons: George T. Lynch III (Virginia) of Milton and Douglas J. Lynch (Judith) of Wilmington; her grandchildren: Dr. George T. Lynch IV (Mike) of Rehoboth Beach, and Capt. John W. Lynch (Lori) of Garnet Valley, Pa.; her great-grandson, Gavin; her nieces: Joan L. Thomas of Rehoboth Beach, Judy DeAngelis of Rehoboth Beach, Mary "Pren" Yff (Chris) of Estero, Fla., and Norma Jean Fowler (Ned) of Laurel; and her nephews: William S. Ingram III (Tara) of Virginia Beach, Va., Dr. John C. Lynch (Carol) of Dagsboro.
The family wants to send a warm and grateful thank you to the four caregivers who were at Lib’s side during her last three years: Danielle, Kristie, Annie, and Katie provided the highest level of medical home care. In addition, we would like to thank the professional guidance of Compassionate Care Hospice of the Delmar Peninsula. Lastly, a special thank you to all her friends and neighbors who supported her in many ways.
Graveside services will be private. A Celebration of Lib’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions in Lib's memory to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Lib’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
