Nancy L. (Barton) Lynch, a longtime resident of Holyoke, passed away peacefully at the grand age of 93 on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Born in Springfield to the late William and Esther (Connors) Barton, she graduated from Classical High School, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro Women’s College, and her Master of Science in Botany at Smith College.

Nancy dedicated her life to education, starting her 35-year career as a Botany teacher at Smith College, then teaching Science at Technical High School in Springfield, and becoming a beloved Biology teacher at Holyoke High School, until her retirement in 1988. She was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and National Education Association, and a communicant of Holy Cross Parish in Holyoke.

An enthusiastic golfer, she was a member of the Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley and the Holyoke Country Club, where she and Bob enjoyed playing golf together and made great friends along the way.

A woman of many talents, Nancy was successful in everything she set her mind to accomplish. After high school, she traveled from Longmeadow to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she played varsity Field Hockey, was on the Dean’s List, and a member of the Golden Chain Honor Society and Newman Club. Notably, she was the first “northerner” in UNCG history elected as president of her class!

Nancy was also a graceful figure skater and tennis player. She famously declared she would never marry a man who couldn’t beat her at tennis, and cleverly let her future husband, Bob, win a few matches!

Throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s, Nancy maintained her positive outlook and sense of humor. Her radiant smile brightened any room, endearing her to staff and residents in every care facility she resided in over the past decade. Her daughter Kate was constantly by Nancy’s side, serving as her caregiver and advocate.

Nancy was the widow of Robert J. “ Bob” Lynch, who predeceased her in 2007. She is survived by her son, Edward “Ned” Lynch and his wife Eleanor “Kate” of Barnstable, MA, her daughter, Kathryn “Kate” Lynch, and her husband James “Murray” Grose of Framingham, MA, as well as her three grandchildren – Matthew, Ryan, and Timothy Lynch, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Nancy was predeceased by her son, Timothy Lynch, her sister, Barbara Dunn, and her brother William “Bill” Barton.

The Lynch family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Bey family for including Nancy in their family celebrations over the years, and to the amazingly dedicated staff at Willimansett Center East for their exceptional care, which continued even beyond the closure of the nursing home.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, November 16th  from 10:00 -11:00 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street in Holyoke, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery on Northampton Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton MA 02460.