Rita’s life began November 7, 1928, in Eau Claire, Michigan. 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 Cathoic Church Library and as an Eucharistic Minister. Rita also enjoyed playing Bridge, cooking, baking, and Paw Paw Lake. Rita was awarded Mother of the Year 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.
Friends may visit with Rita’s family Tuesday, June 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Visitation will be followed by the Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 8, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Burial will follow 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.
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.
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