Barbara J. Lynch

Barbara J. Lynch Loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend Barbara J. Lynch, 82, a lifelong resident of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on May 29, 2009 in her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 21, 1926 in Rockford the daughter of Rudolph and Florence (Folio) Puricelli, Sr. Barbara married the love of her life, LaVerne Lynch on April 23, 1949 at St. Anthony of Padua in Rockford. She graduated from West High School and Rockford Business College. Barbara was a medical transcriptionist at St. Anthony Hospital and then at Rockford Memorial Hospital for 23 years. After her retirement, Barb joined the Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered in the gift shop. She was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church for over 50 years, formerly active with the Ladies of St. Bernadette, helped serve the St. Vincent De Paul dinners with her husband Verne, and was a member of the Knitwitters. Barb was a very sweet woman who enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting, shopping, having lunch with her many friends. Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, LaVerne; daughter, Susan (LeRoy) Comins of Oregon, IL; son, Thomas (Monica) Lynch of Loves Park, IL; grandchildren, Roger (Riley) Comins of Oregon, IL, David (Amy) Lynch of South Beloit, IL; Tara (Jim) Miller of Prophetstown, IL, and Matthew (Amber) Lynch of Machesney Park, IL; step-grandchild, Lori Comins of Beloit, WI; great-grandchildren, Joseph Harriet and Owen Miller of Prophetstown, IL; sister-in-law, Betty Puricelli of Rockford; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Predeceased by her parents and her brother, Rudolph Puricelli, Jr. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church followed by burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. from 5 - 7 P.M. with a Rosary Service at 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Hospice, 4223 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108. Family and friends may