Barbara P. Lynch
OBITUARY
Barbara P. Lynch, 93, of Poway, CA, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on February 11, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, to Mary and Ernest Chattman, Barbara grew up with a strong sense of humility, grace, and kindness. She was recognized by friends and family for her love for others and her understated sense of humor, which endeared her to all.
In 1952, she married Joseph A. Lynch, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and–with nine children–a good dose of commotion.
The family made Lindenhurst, NY, their home for fourteen years, where Barbara volunteered as a preschool teacher’s assistant at West Gate Elementary School. After moving to California, she worked for, and retired from, the Poway Unified School District’s food service at Twin Peaks Middle School and Meadowbrook Middle School.
But Barbara’s greatest joy and most important job was raising her nine children. In that capacity, her titles included Head Chef, Laundry Specialist, Housekeeping Coordinator, Conflict Resolution Counselor, Disciplinary Warden, and cherished Queen of the Castle. Her refuge from day-to-day tasks was found in her love for reading, which she passed to her children.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Joseph A. Lynch, Sr., who passed only six months earlier. She and Joseph were reunited on what would have been their 74th wedding anniversary. She was also predeceased by her beautiful grandson, Jonathan Lynch.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Matthew (Kathleen) Lynch, Ellen Ferraro, Robert (Laura) Lynch, Marianne (Alan) Landau, Joseph A. (Cheirie) Lynch, Jr., Kathleen (Christopher) Lynn, Schanna (Scott) MacDonald, Christopher (Margo) Lynch, and Mark (Kristen) Lynch, as well as her sister, Beatrice Searfoss, and her niece, Erin Searfoss.
Additionally, she will be greatly missed by her twenty-six grandchildren, thirty-eight greatgrandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Church services at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Poway, CA, and burial at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Father Joe’s Villages in San Diego, CA, a charity dear to Barbara and Joe.
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