Obituaries

Kelly M. Lynch, 40

April 25, 2021

Kelly M. Lynch, 40, of Lancaster completed her “One Colorful Journey” here on earth Sunday, April 25th, 2021.

Kelly deeply loved her husband, Paul Lynch, who strove to treat her like the queen he knew she was. Kelly was an unbelievable mother to her three children: Grace Lynch, 13; Liam Lynch, 9; and Olivia L. Lynch who left this earth at 5-years old in 2015. We know Kelly has reunited with Olivia for her next journey.

Other members of Kelly’s family include: her mother, Linda Barry; her departed father, Barry Bruce; stepmother, Linda Bruce; departed father-in law, Kevin Lynch; mother-in-law, Fran Lynch; brothers Jon Bruce (fiancé of Devin Raventos) and Chris Bruce (husband of Cathyrn Bruce); sister, Heather Bruce; brother-in-law, Joe Lynch (husband of Laura Lynch); departed grandfather, Jack Barry; grandmother, Mary Barry; departed grandfather, Ken Bruce; departed grandmother, Mary Conoscenti; aunt, Carol Emerson; cousin, Nate Emerson; Hannah Anderson (wife of Andy Anderson); uncle, John Barry (husband of Martha Barry); cousin, Jack Barry; cousin, Caroline Barry; departed aunt, Barbara Barry; nephew, Drew Swanke; nephew, Colton Lynch; and nephew, Trace Lynch.

Kelly’s life is nothing short of extraordinary and inspirational. Those who had the honor of meeting her gravitated to her light, love and kindness. During her lifetime, Kelly experienced more than most will ever experience: five different cancers and losing a young child to cancer. Kelly always chose to lean into the big life experiences and do the work so her soul could grow.

When Olivia was diagnosed with cancer, Kelly wrote regular health updates to family and friends. She came into the realization that she could share with others what she was learning through these big life experiences… she hoped it might inspire them to look at their own lives and experiences in a different way.

After Olivia completed her earthly journey, Kelly continued with her own cancer journey. She reflected on her life and created “One Colorful Journey” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OneColorfulJourney). In these writings, Kelly got down deep, inspired, reflected and was vulnerable. Her hope was that her writing on “One Colorful Journey” would resonate with each of us on some level, that we could learn from Kelly’s life experiences, and apply them to our lives to create a ripple of love and kindness throughout the world. Kelly believed strongly that the root of all of us is LOVE – so, it’s fitting that the image created for “One Colorful Journey” is a tree with the roots being love and the branches being each of our life experiences.

Please consider reading her writing on “One Colorful Journey” and learning more about this one-of-a-kind soul. You can keep the ripple of love and kindness going. Consider getting your hands in the earth and rooting yourself in Love by planting a tree or plant in her honor. Should you wish to make a financial contribution in Kelly’s honor, please consider giving to the Olivia L. Lynch Rainbow Endowment Fund at Hospice & Community Care (https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/hospice-care/endowment-funds/the-olivia-l-lynch-rainbow-endowment-fund-copy/)

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Condolences to the Family

June 25, 2021

Dear Paul and Linda,My heart is broken! I just found out today that Kelly passed away. I always looked so forward to her visits. I also had the privelage of meeting Grace, who is such a sweet girl! Kelly talked so highly of you and all of her children! She was such a “special” woman and I feel extremely blessed to have known her. It’s very difficult to understand why such a beautiful soul is taken so early, but may the memories of her always comfort you in time of need. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Tammy Oxenrider 

May 13, 2021

Dear Paul and Family,
I am speachless… Kelly was MORE than an inspiration and a bright light of wisdom, hope and peace. She touched me over the years in so many ways. I am a better person for knowing her and honored to have been her friend. She will be forever missed, but her legacy will live on forever as will her memory. May God’s grace and peace fill your hearts and console you in this time of great loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Roz Ayers

May 03, 2021

Dear Paul, Grace, and Liam
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the loss of your wife and mother Kelly. 
Paul, you and she were a perfect fit, it could be seen written all over your faces.
She was always the best of mothers to your children as well.
The times when we were together as an extended family she was always kind and gracious to me and that endeared her to me in my heart.
She was an outstanding woman and her loss will reverberate through generations to come
Kindest regards
Your Uncle Tim

May 02, 2021

Dear Linda, Mary, Paul, Liam, and Grace, please accept my heartfelt love, sympathy, and condolence on the passing of Kelly. She was a rare treasure on this earth who will be missed by so many whose lives she touched. She never took more than she gave and she embodied so much love for her family and friends. I know you will miss her as will all those who knew her. God bless and be well. Peg Kay

April 29, 2021

Heaven is filled with treasures. Those of us who knew Kelly had the pleasure of witnessing the courage and compassion of an angel on earth. As her one time neighbor I saw her love of family, Paul and her dear children. May God bless them and help us keep her strength in ourselves as we learn and draw hope from her example. Godspeed and peace dear Kelly.
Kim Rentschler

April 29, 2021

Linda, Paul,Grace and Liam,  So sorry to hear about the passing of Kelly.  What a strong, beautiful young women.  I had the honor of caring for Kelly when she was just a young girl and then her daughter Olivia as well.  It was always a pleasure to take care of them and be a part of their journey.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  I am sure this is a terrible loss for you, but I hope that the reunion of Kelly and Olivia will bring you peace.  Love and prayers, Cindy Lacroce

April 29, 2021

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Kelly’s family.  Her passing is a great loss to all who knew her.  
Shirley Park

April 29, 2021

Paul, Grace and Liam – Kelly was an absolutely amazing sole. I never met anyone like her. She always took the time to correspond with me when we moved away and I treasure all of our conversations. She had a way about her that always was warm and welcoming and left you feeling better in a way that I couldn’t explain. My son went to school with Olivia and he loved her feistiness and how she made him laugh! Kelly and Olivia will never be forgotten by us all. I’m so thankful for Kelly’s writings and thoughts that we can look back on and continue reading and using in our lives. I can’t imagine how deep your grief is right now. All we can offer is our constant thoughts and prayers for your family. ❤️
Michelle Edwards

April 29, 2021

My deepest condolences to the entire family who is mourning this loss of a sweet soul. Kelly and I met at St Anne’s when I joined the school in 8th grade and onto LCHS. She was always a kind and helpful soul from the start of meeting her. I pray that God may give her loved ones the strength to bear this loss and move on with her memories to keep her alive in their heart. 🙏🏽Dear Kelly, you are reunited with your sweet Olivia! 🥰
Snober Lakhani

April 28, 2021

JB, Martha, Caroline and Jack, my deepest sympathies. I pray your happy memories bring you some measure of comfort in these crazy, disturbing times. Wishing you peace
Wendy S Phillips

April 28, 2021

Kelly was one of  a kind. Beautiful,  kind and honest.  Her smile lit up any room. I will forever  be grateful for the inspirational messages that she shared on her journey.  She was strong and positive and always found a way to comfort others. She touched our lives and we are so happy to have known her. Our deepest sympathy to Paul, Grace, Liam, Linda and all of the family. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. 
 
Beth Colosi

April 28, 2021

Linda,
I am so, so sorry to hear about Kelly.  You and the family have been through so much, over the years.  Kelly was such an angel, in every way.  I hope for better times and good memories.
Robert England

April 28, 2021

Dear Paul and children,
You have all been in my prayers for a long time. I never had the opportunity to meet Kelly, but am certain, based on what I know of her, she is sitting with Jesus right now and sending so much love to each of you. My sincerest condolences on this tremendous loss. 
Kathleen STEINBAECHER
 

April 28, 2021

Hello Linda
i just can’t believe Kelly is gone and I’m so sad. She is with her beautiful Olivia. She was a wonderful person and mother. Always lots of fun too.
May Her Memory Be Eternal
Vaso
 

April 28, 2021

My deepest sympathy to Kelly’s family. I met Kelly when she and my daughter Beth became friends. A beautiful, kind and loving girl always! I know she is reunited with Olivia in Paradise❤️
Sue Wiley

April 28, 2021

I never met your Kelly but I read her obit and went to her fb page this morning as you suggested. I read post after post and I Was so moved and encouraged by her positivity and insure that I wrote my own fb post so that others would visit and read her words. Kelly created a ripple effect and touched my life today. She’s a beautiful and lovely woman.Wishing you all peace. 
Kim Crow

April 28, 2021

Dearest Linda and family,
My deepest sympathy in your loss .
I feel so honored to have known and cared for Kelly and Olivia.  They were always a ray of sunshine to my day.   Many good memories.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I  will plant a special flowering plant in my garden in Kelly’s memory.  Love, Lois 

April 28, 2021

Words cannot express my sorrow.   A soul, so loved and cared for, Kelly was a true inspiration.  May God’s loving arms extend to those left on this earth, and heal their hearts during this difficult time.
Kim M McPhail
 

April 28, 2021

My sincere sympathy to the family regarding the passing of dear Kelly. I remember Kelly in her youth as a sweet, kind and positive person. It is inspiring to see her love of life continued as an adult. May perpetual life shine upon her and May she Rest In Peace ❤️
Cathy Roth

April 28, 2021

Kelly was an inspiration to all who had the honor to know her!  The life lessons she taught us will remain with us always!
Please accept my deepest sympathy Paul, Grace and Liam as you remember her forever!
❤️Karen Rubenstein 

April 28, 2021

I never got to meet Kelly but I will be forever gracious for her and her familie’s kindness! About two years ago I left my now ex husband after experiencing domestic violence for 13 years. Kelly furnished my entire apartment and thanks to her my daughter and I are now able to call this beautiful place home. Everyone that steps into my home never wants to leave because they feel at peace. I’d like to think Kelly and her daughter have something to do with that. There is a painting that I originally had put in my daughters room but I love it so much that I put it in the living room for everyone to see. I’d like to think that its Olivia running through the beautiful fields of Heaven with her yellow umbrella. I am sure Kelly impacted many peoples lives, like she did mine. I am sure Kelly will be missed by many but for those who remain on Earth and knew her, please know that she was an extrodinary women who changed so many people’s lives, especially mine and my daughters. Sending all my love and prayers to Kelly’s friends and family. 
Jenn Smathers

April 27, 2021

Kelly was such a bright light in this world…always finding the positive in every situation. She fought long and hard and without complaint. She will be sorely missed. I feel fortunate to have her many words of wisdom to remind me what’s important and good in this world. She was truly a gifted writer. Our deepest prayers and sympathies go out to all of Kelly’s family, especially Paul, Liam and Grace.
Amy Hartz

April 27, 2021

Dear Paul, Grace, Liam, Linda and Mary, 
We have all lost such a beautiful soul, one who enriched us, but you have lost a loving and fun loving Wife, Mom, Daughter & Granddaughter. Although she will be with you always, I know these days ahead will be tough. I hope you feel the loving arms of all of us who loved, were inspired by Kelly. 
Lena Hohenadel

April 27, 2021

Paul, I am so sorry to hear that she has left this earth, and especially you.  You both were amazing inspiration for many, many cancer warriors and I am glad she touched my life.  
I grieve for your pain, and I pray that you will find some comfort knowing she is back with your precious Olivia once more!
Dee Freeman (from AWA & golf).

April 27, 2021

Paul,
It’s been so long, but I often think back to the DW days and all of the fun that we had.  Kelly was such a special person. I always remember her positive outlook and sense of humor.  I’ll never forget driving the golf cart over those really small bridges on the island in the back of the park and hearing Kelly laugh really hard! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there might ever be something I can do.
Dave Groff

April 27, 2021

I miss you my friend. Sister, and beautiful woman. Paul, Grace and Liam ill be here praying and thinking of you.  Kelly truly meant the world to me. Yes the sky is brighter and the reunion of mother and daughter im sure was sweet. We are here for you. Praying. 
Valerie Claxton

April 27, 2021

Dear Fran, Paul and all of the Lynch family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Your loss is Heaven’s gain.  Olivia has her Mommy with her now.  We are praying for all of you as you go through this sad time of missing dear Kelly.  
With our Love, Karen & Bob Jodal

April 27, 2021

I will certainly miss you “T”! You had a hardy laugh that came from down deep in your soul…….I knew that’s where Livs inherited it from🥰 You certainly lived every day to its fullest and epitomized the golden rule “love one another”. Now the heavens will welcome you and I can see your smile as they do……❤️
Colleen Bitts

April 27, 2021

May the angels come to meet her and accompany her to paradise and may her soul and all the souls rest in peace. And May God comfort and embrace her family as they grieve the loss of such an inspiring soul. 
John and Nancy Straw

April 27, 2021

I am so sad about Kelly’s passing there r no words to describe how deeply her journey had inspired me. I only met her once but what an impact she made, I enjoyed her writings they were magnificent. I prayed for her & Olivia every day for years. Followed her journey & memories she created with her family every day! May God hold her in his arms & welcome her into heaven where she is hugging Olivia & her Father for all eternity.
Nancy Dwyer

April 27, 2021

I miss you, my dear friend. Sending love to Paul, Grace and Liam. 
Megan Shumaker

April 27, 2021

All my love to Paul, family and friends. It was an honor to meet Kelly when we worked to design & create a sacred garden space in honor of Olivia; for Liam and Grace to live in a garden of wonder and beauty; and for Kelly to be connected to getting her hands in the earth and help us all be rooted in love.
Staci Jasin

April 27, 2021

Dear Kelly, you fought hard to be for Paul and your beautiful children, Liam, Olivia and Grace.  Now it is time for you to rest. You will not be forgotten.  You live on in your dear family and friends.  May you rest in the peace of our Lord.                                Deacon Jim Carra

April 27, 2021

The heavens will shine brighter now. Prayers and love to the Lynch/Bruce families.
Megan Shaffer

April 27, 2021

Dear Paul, Grace, & Liam,
May Kelly’s love & graciousness continue to blossom in all of your hearts. Your memories will help your souls to slowly heal. I met Kelly once and could feel her inner warmth & love.I wish you all peace & the love Kelly shared with her precious family…💖🦋🌼
Jeannie Peiser

April 27, 2021

Dear Paul and Family. I had the pleasure of knowing Kelly from decades ago from working at Dutch Wonderland and she was a wonderful friend of my sisters. Through my sisters connection I had the privaldge of hearing and seeing how wonderful Kelly is. Her writings are inspiring and she left quite a mark on this earth. 
I pray for all of her family to feel peace at at this difficult time. Kristin McCloud

April 27, 2021

Kelly was the epitome of beauty, grace and courage. We loved her and will deeply miss her. Bonnie and Ron

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