Molly M Lynch

Molly passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep on July 19. No one saw it coming. She was born Mary Augusta on July 28, 1938 to Clyde and Ellen Mulliken in San Mateo, California, south of San Francisco. She graduated from San Mateo High School and then San Francisco State University with a teaching degree. In 1957 Molly met Spike, who was then serving in the Navy after graduating from Stanford. Their dating years included enjoying all the fabulous music and fun with their good friends in the Bay Area. On August 20,1960 Molly and Spike were married. Their first home was in Belmont, still close to friends and family. Molly became an elementary school teacher while Spike was working in his new insurance career. Two years later Spike was transferred by St. Paul/Travelers to Portland, Oregon, where Molly taught in nearby Garden Home, and their daughter Beth would soon be born.

They moved to Spokane in 1964, Spike having been promoted to marketing manager. Knowing no one, the three of them (plus German Shepherd, "Freddy") arrived to 3 feet of snow and moved into their Stone Street house. Molly often pointed out that Spokane's airport was then an aging quonset hut with a leaking roof where water dripped on her as she stood at the United ticket counter. They assumed it would mercifully only be for a few years before they could return to California. How wrong they were! They soon fell in love with the Spokane area and were swept up into the community. Lifelong friendships were made, and they knew they wanted no part of any future transfers. Spike became a partner at Jones & Mitchell in 1965. They were here to stay. Their second daughter, Laurie, was born in 1966. After 30 years on Stone Street, in 1994 Molly and Spike built their dream home in the Rockwood Retirement Community, joining old friends and making many new ones.

The Spokane community and her church community were very important to Molly. For over 50 years she was active in various ministries at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. She served The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane as ECW President and as a member of The Bishop's Guild. Molly was a Girl Scout leader as Beth and Laurie were growing up, and she and Spike helped start the Rockwood Chapter of Spokane Symphony Associates (SSA). Molly lived an incredibly active and rich life. She enjoyed filling her days with her many interests such as Mah Jongg (leading to significant unreported income), golf at Manito, Friday Musical, parties, and, most importantly, time with friends and family. She loved entertaining and cooking in her dream kitchen. Priest Lake and the family cabin were Molly's much treasured place. Camping for years led to cabin ownership, which she loved for over 20 years. Their cabin was the site of a huge "Stone Street 2007 Reunion". Priest was where Molly and Spike chose to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Molly loved to travel, her favorite destination being Hawaii, where she and Spike returned many times with their family. Among their many travels was a special bucket-list item, their trip to The Masters at Augusta last year.

Molly was grateful to have her grandchildren nearby. She was a powerful presence in Sarah's and Shannon's lives from the moment they were born and in those "daycare" years. She and Spike were on the sidelines (sometimes freezing) for the girls' soccer games, and recently walked well over 50,000 yards following Shannon's golf tournaments. She delighted in what fine young women Sarah and Shannon have become. Molly was "mother" to many beyond her immediate family, extending her love and mothering to a fortunate many (you all know who you are). Her capacity for new friendships was boundless. She had a gift for connecting people. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and grace are well known. She truly had a gift for making everyone feel like they were part of her circle. Molly was love in action. She was nurturing by nature, always stepping up to meet needs as they arose. Her love and caring for others were without limit.

Molly is survived by her husband of 57 years, Spike; their daughter, Beth Lynch; daughter, Laurie Curran (husband, Chris) and much adored granddaughters, Sarah and Shannon. She's also survived by her and Spike's extended family.
A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 4 at 11 AM, followed by a reception at Manito Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Rockwood Residents' Foundation (2903 E 25th Ave., Spokane, WA 99223) or the St. Stephen's Endowment Fund (5720 S Perry St., Spokane, WA 99223).

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