Dolores Elizabeth Lynch

Dolores Elizabeth Lynch, age 91, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2026. Dolores was born on July 18, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter John Wajda and Stephanie Florence Mroczynski Wajda. The granddaughter of Polish immigrants, Dolores grew up in a close-knit Polish community in Philadelphia, where her family’s heritage and Catholic faith were an important part of her early life. Her family’s parish, St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church, served the Polish immigrant community, and Dolores attended elementary school at St. John Cantius School before graduating from Mastbaum Vocational Technical School in 1953. Her neighborhood and school were filled with families who shared the same Polish traditions and cultural roots.

Dolores married Edward Joseph Lynch Jr. on June 13, 1959, at St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the same parish where her parents and grandparents had also been married. The couple made their home in Philadelphia for the next ten years, where they welcomed five sons. In 1969, the family moved to Franklin, Ohio, where their daughter was born. The family subsequently settled in Hilliard, Ohio, in 1978, and Dolores and Edward made their home there until Edward’s passing in September 2004. Above all, Dolores was devoted to her family. Caring for a growing household while supporting Edward as he worked full-time and pursued his college degree required remarkable love, patience, energy, perseverance, and faith. Her greatest joy came from spending time with the people she loved and from watching her family grow across the generations, not only in size but, more importantly, in the love they shared with one another. Dolores’s faith journey began at St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church, where she was baptized, received her First Communion, and was confirmed, and where she later celebrated her marriage. Decades later, as a 48-year member of the St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church community, Dolores continued to find strength and comfort in her faith. Through prayer, she gave thanks for the many blessings God had bestowed upon her and kept her family and friends close in her heart. Her faith remained a source of joy, comfort, and peace throughout her life, sustaining her mind, heart, and spirit through her final days.

Dolores was a true gamer, although not of the video-game variety. She loved card and board games, and an afternoon or evening spent together around the table with family or friends brought her great joy. Whether playing Rummikub, Kings in the Corner, Pinochle, Euchre, 500 Rummy, or one of her many other favorites, the room was filled with fun, laughter, a “little bit” of competition, and the occasional good-natured accusation that someone might be cheating.

She loved having visitors, whether for a few minutes, several hours, or even days. The “Welcome” sign was always on display. Of course, every visit came with either the “Long Goodbye” or the “Long Goodnight.” During this long and loving ritual, hugs and kisses were always plentiful. Although visitorsoften left or family members went to bed much later than planned, they did so feeling loved and special.

The family she leaves behind is a lasting reflection of the life she and Edward built together and the love she gave so generously throughout her life. Her traditions, stories, faith, laughter, and love will continue through the generations who follow her.

Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Edward Joseph Lynch II; her parents, Walter John and Stephanie Florence Wajda; and her brother, John Walter Wajda.

Dolores is survived by her six children and their families:

● John Lynch and his wife, Jody, and their children, Ashley (Zachary and their son, Arthur) Sinclair

and Natalie (Stuart) Nelson.

● Edward Joseph Lynch III and his wife, Selene Orozco-Lynch; his children Melanie, Edward IV

(Caroline), and Marissa (Noah) Brugnoli; and Selene’s daughters, Selene Quintero Orozco (Rafael

Martin and their children, Emma and Soren), and Maria Quintero Orozco (Raul Amezquita).

● Robert Lynch and his wife, Carol, and their children, Austin, Jacob (Noel), and Michael (Hanah

and their daughters, Layna and Parker).

● Patrick Lynch and his wife, Cindi, and Cindi’s son, Benjamin (and children Parker, Naomi, and

Tatum) Dickerson.

● Michael Lynch and his wife, Paula; and his children Patrick, Morgan (Gabriel and daughter,

Nova) Gonzalez, and Joshua; and Paula’s daughters, Margaret (Samuel and their children,

Emerson, Zenia and Ira) Mullen and Grace Mullen.

● Barbara Bray and her husband, Scott, and their children, Keith (Jocelyn), Kevin, Caitlin, and

Colin.

The Lynch family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dolores’s family physician Dr. Joe Dusseau, Capital City Hospice and Griswold home care professionals, especially Angela and Ann Faith, who cared for Dolores with kindness, compassion, and dignity during her final days, and to Father Jacob Stinnett for his prayers and compassion. Their care, prayers, and presence brought comfort not only to Dolores but also to her family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 6, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 am at ST. BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in the sanctuary at 10:30 am. FRIDAY. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 3225 Dublin Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Following the interment, family and friends are cordially invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life Luncheon to continue celebrating Dolores’s life and to share in a meal together at St. Brendan’s in the Davidson Room. For those who are unable to join us, Mass will be live streamed via the St. Brendan’s YouTube Channel.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, where Dolores found peace, comfort, and strength in her faith.

The Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722, assisted the family. Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the family.