Maura W. Lynch, artist and business owner

Posted

Maura William “Whim” Lynch, 69, of Wyndmoor, an artist who was the owner of two shops in Chestnut Hill, died June 5 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Lynch had operated Nina's Needlepoint, at 8409 Germantown Ave., from 1971-1976, and Business Unusual from 1972-1982.

She also was the co-founder and executive director from 1987 to 1999 of Need in Deed, a service learning organization based in Philadelphia. In doing so, she was acting on her vision of preparing and enabling young people in the classroom to become capable, contributing members to their community.

Started as a small grassroots effort in a few schools, Need in Deed is now a citywide movement that engages teachers in a network of support, enabling them to guide their students through a yearlong project designed and shaped by their students.

Mrs. Lynch also was an avid potter, jeweler and photographer, creating here and in her studio at Bridgehampton, N.Y.

Raised Maura Gaffney in Cedarhurst, N.Y., she attended the Tobė-Coburn School in New York City and worked in the fashion industry.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Raymond C. “Skip” Lynch Sr.; a daughter, Daphne G. L. Fifield; a son, Raymond C. “Rummy” Lynch Jr.; sisters Kathryn “Kitty” Neuhaus and Olive Twyman, and five grandchildren. A brother, Maurice “Spike” Gaffney, preceded her in death.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St. Martin's Lane, in Chestnut Hill. Memorial donations may be made to Need in Deed at www.needindeed.org. – WF

obituaries