Mary Lu Flynn

Mary Lu (Lynch) Flynn—a devoted wife, loving mom and grandma, lifelong educator, and woman of quiet, steady faith—passed away on June 2, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 87.

Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, along the banks of the Mississippi River, Mary Lu was the eldest of six children of Edward and Irene (Knapik) Lynch. Raised in a devout Catholic home, she grew up in a family deeply engaged in parish life—a commitment she upheld throughout her life. Education was equally treasured in the Lynch household and helped spark her lifelong love of learning.

She attended The College of St. Teresa for Women in Winona, Minnesota, where she majored in education and minored in music. A talented pianist and organist, she humbly described herself as an accompanist rather than a performer. After college, she began teaching fifth grade in Madison, WI. It was there that she met Jim Flynn—an introduction by a mutual friend that would lead to a lifetime of love. They were married on August 11, 1962, at St. Joseph Cathedral in La Crosse.

Together, Jim and Mary Lu built a life centered around family, faith, and service. They lived in Madison, WI; St. Louis, MO; Nashville, TN; Middletown, OH; but raised their three children in Bexley, OH. An entrepreneur, Mary Lu ran several home-based businesses while raising her family—an in-home preschool, taught piano lessons, and established a monogramming business that grew into contracts with local dry cleaners and specialty clothing stores.

At age 40, she returned to school, earning her Master's in Reading Specialization from The Ohio State University. Her career in higher education flourished after she moved to Middletown, OH, where she worked for 22 years at Miami University Middletown—first as a counselor and later as Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services. Her thoughtful guidance helped countless students navigate their educational journeys.

In retirement, Mary Lu remained deeply engaged in serving others. She completed a Lay Pastoral Ministry program and volunteered as a domestic violence victims advocate with the Middletown Municipal Court. She also gave her time to the Community Pregnancy Center, supporting women in crisis. In 2004, she and Jim began volunteering with an organization that took sick and disabled pilgrims to Lourdes, France—a life-changing mission they would continue for the next ten years.

In 2011, they moved to St. Leonard’s Retirement Community, in Centerville, OH where Mary Lu remained active in her faith and service until a cancer diagnosis made it no longer possible. Even in illness, she exemplified grace, kindness, and quiet strength.

Mary Lu is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Jim Flynn; her children Christopher Flynn (Kathy) of Grosse Pointe, MI; Anne-Marie Farley of Milford, OH; and Mary Colleen Jenkins (Michael) of Seattle, WA. She was a proud grandmother to Conor Farley (fiancée Jenna Rocca), Nicholas Farley (wife Lexi), Ethan Farley (fiancée Abby Toerner), Kelsey Flynn, Victor Flynn, Megan Jenkins, and Molly Jenkins. She is also survived by her siblings Thomas (Reni) Lynch of Oshkosh, WI; Fr. Dennis Lynch of Stevens Point, WI; John (Katie) Lynch, of Whitefish Bay, WI; and Ann Lynch of Seattle, WA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irene Lynch; her brother, Fr. Michael Lynch of Wausau, WI; and her son-in-law, Kent Farley.

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 21, 2025 St. Leonard Chapel 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH 45458

· 10:00 – 10:30 AM – Rosary (led by Jim Flynn; all are welcome to join or listen)

· 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Visitation

· 11:00 AM – Mass

· 12:00 PM – Luncheon at The Franciscan Center at St. Leonard

· (Feel free to wear bright colors — it’s what Mary Lu would’ve wanted.)

In Lieu of Flowers or Gifts:

Donations in Mary Lu’s memory may be made to The James and Mary Lu Flynn Giving Fund, created to support volunteers traveling to Lourdes, France—a place close to Mary Lu and Jim’s hearts. For over 10 years, they served pilgrims with serious illnesses and disabilities who journeyed there seeking prayer and healing. To learn more, visit: https://lourdesvolunteers.org/who-we-are/.

The James and Mary Lu Flynn Giving Fund Online donations – click here

Or mail: c/o The Dayton Foundation 1401 Main Street, Suite 101 Dayton, Ohio 45409

(Make checks payable to “The James and Mary Lu Flynn Giving Fund” and include Fund ID# 8032 in the memo.)