Rita’s life began Nov. 7, 1928, in Eau Claire. She grew up in Benton Harbor and graduated from St. John’s Catholic School where she met and fell in love with Phillip Lynch. She married her high school sweetheart in September of 1946, they enjoyed 66 years together.
Rita’s great love was her family. She looked forward to gathering them together. Rita liked to volunteer her time and you could find her volunteering for North Berrien Senior Center, Community Hospital Auxiliary, St. Joseph Catholic Church Library and as a Eucharistic Minister. Rita also enjoyed playing Bridge, cooking, baking, and Paw Paw Lake. Rita was awarded Best Mom by the Tri-City Record one Mother’s Day.
Rita leaves behind a large loving family to cherish her memory including: 13 children, Patrick Lynch, Beth (Rick) Beam, Colleen McKeown, Anne (David) Pudell, Katherine (Joseph) Rodriguez, Darryl (Judy) Lynch, Phillip (Maria) Lynch, Michael (Lisa) Lynch, Arthur (Lisa) Lynch, Duane (Janet) Lynch, Timothy (Carla) Lynch, Terrance Lynch, and Gregory (Trina) Lynch; 30 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Rita died Friday, June 3, 2022, at her home.
Her loving husband Phillip, parents William and Margarite (McDermott) Dwan, and nine siblings, Robert Dwan, Gerald Dwan, Thomas Dwan, Edward Dwan, Frances Waters, Catherine Lewis, Mary Lucker, Peggy Kramp, and Cora Shipley precede Rita in death.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, June 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Burial followed in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Rita’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or North Berrien Senior Center. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Rita’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.
Rita lived life to the fullest and had a real zest for life that was inspiring. She was a beautiful, vibrant, intelligent, fun loving soul. She was a treasure that will be greatly missed.