Barbara Lynch

Barbara (Saunders) Lynch passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2026 at the age of 74, with friends and family by her side. Barbara was the youngest daughter of Margaret and Raymond Saunders, beloved sister of Kay Van Horn of Waverly, was married to the late Edwin Lynch (2009), and was proud mother of Bethany Lynch of Newton, MA.

Barbara grew up as a member of the First Baptist Church in Waverly, NY, and later became a member of the United Parish of Brookline, MA where she and Ed contributed generously to their faith community with their time, talents and resources. She enjoyed being a member of the UP Choir, Clerk of the Baptist Church in Brookline, accompanist for the Children's Choir, co-chair of Stretching into Justice ministry, and a recent member of the Church Council, among many other key roles at her church.

Barbara attended the Waverly Schools and was a loyal, enthusiastic member of the Class of ’69, remaining lifelong friends with many classmates. She attended Brockport State University and then taught at Tioga Elementary School in Upstate New York. In 1975 she moved to Boston and obtained her Masters in Mathematics Education at Boston University. Her first post-Masters job was as a Math teacher in Rockport, MA and then as Math Specialist in Portland, ME - both posts brought with them many memorable stories.

In 1979 she became a Mathematics Editor at Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company, beginning a distinguished 40-year career in educational publishing. Her primary focus was to make elementary teachers aware of new, exciting ways of teaching mathematics and being comfortable doing so. During her time at Houghton Mifflin she presented and defended many Math programs to State Educational Committees in California, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Georgia.

Barbara blossomed professionally and personally in Boston, always making lifelong friends along the way - at church, at work, and with her husband Ed. Barbara was known for her eclectic tours of downtown Boston, highlighted by an inherent respect for history and justice, and a fervent love for sports. Barbara was always cheering for the Red Sox, the Celtics, and whoever was the underdog! Her adventurous spirit took her to more than a dozen countries, and all 50 States! Some of Barbara's most treasured times took place on Martha’s Vineyard, in Tucson and Sonoita, AZ, and at the Class of ’69 picnics at Arnold’s Acres near Waverly.

Barbara is survived by her daughter and sister, her six nieces and nephews and their families, and an immeasurable network of cherished friends. The beauty, vibrancy, and joy that came with her presence will forever bless the lives of those who love her.

Memorial Services will be held at The United Parish in Brookline on Barbara’s favorite holiday, her birthday, October 31st, 2026 at 2PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3pm. Burial Ceremonies will be held in Waverly, NY and Marblehead, MA at later dates.

The family graciously appreciates the outpouring of love and support received in Barbara’s memory. The abundance of which is a testament to her generous spirit, and the way she lives on in each of us.