Barbara Thurber Lynch

Barbara Rose Thurber Lynch died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 4, 2022, after an extended illness. Barbara was born on April 28, 1930, in Pawtucket, RI. The youngest of 5 and the only girl, she was the daughter of Frederick Thurber and Sadie (Jacques) Thurber. Barbara was raised in South Attleboro, MA, and lived there until she got married. She married John William Lynch on November 23, 1949. Their marriage lasted nearly 68 years, ended by John falling asleep in death on September 9, 2017. They lived most of their life together in Central Falls, RI. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mother of four, Barbara was lovingly cared for in her final years by her daughter Joyce Sharp, son-in-law Bill Sharp, son Kevin Lynch, and daughter-in-law Sue Lynch, supported by their immediate families.

Over 60 years ago, Barbara dedicated her life to serving her God Jehovah and was a faithful member of the Elmhurst Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lincoln, RI. She enjoyed teaching others about the Bible and the hope it offers for the future. Affectionately one of “The Golden Girls”, she had strong friendships based on her faith with friends of all ages and backgrounds. Her friends in the congregation helped her to continue in the Bible education work until she was physically no longer able to do so. Her faith in a future resurrection to everlasting life on earth also helped her cope with the loss of two babies, one during pregnancy and the other during birth. She so looked forward to the day she would be reunited with the children she never got to know.

Barbara Rose was a loyal wife, a supportive mother, and a devoted and generous grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved animals, music, and walking. Barbara spent the last year and a half of her life with her family in North Carolina. Prior to moving to North Carolina, she lived with family in Cranston, RI, for 3 years. With them she enjoyed Monday visits with her great-grandchildren, weekly trips to eat out at restaurants and visits to the park. She especially enjoyed unlimited cups of coffee and being surrounded by the big dogs that loved and protected her. The last phase of her life in North Carolina was spent just hanging around - enjoying boat rides, watching the dolphins swim, sitting in the sun watching the family play in the pool, and eating ice cream. Every evening, she watched the deer graze in the backyard and counted how many would show up each night. She loved being surrounded by her loved ones and often there were 4 generations together under one roof. Even though her coffee intake had to be limited, she was very happy and grateful for the blessings in her life. Her wish was to never have to live in a nursing home and her family is so grateful they were in a position to care for her in a hands-on role in her final years.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Pamlico County Hospice for their support and assistance during her final days.