Editor’s Note: This article crossposted from the one first posted at USA Fencing. My wife and I knew Barb from your time on the UNC Fencing Team with her sister, and author of this piece, Lisa Campi. My memories of Barb are of her hospitality when we visited and her sharp wit and willingness to use it! – Craig
On August 25 the US fencing community lost one of its best advocates and most dedicated workers. Barb Lynch, after four years of fighting, finally succumbed to ovarian cancer. She passed away in the company of family and friends. Barb left us knowing she was loved and supported and in the manner that matched the grace in which she lived.
Barb started fencing at Morris Hills High School and continued as a college club fencer at Purdue University. Her volunteer resume began after her return to NJ from college, where she successfully served as the NJ division chair for over 10 years. She coached Morris Hills High school for 21 years and has received countless coaching awards during that tenure. Her legendary organizational skills led her be appointed as bout committee chair for many, many national fencing tournaments and Junior Olympic Championships. Based on that excellence, her variety of experience in fencing (both as coach and fencer) and being a voting board member Barb was nominated and served as USFA Vice President from 2000-2004. Because of her long-standing contributions to the sport, she was honored with a lifetime membership to the USFA.
Her generosity of spirit, the time she made for others and her willingness to get involved will always be such a positive example for all who knew her. When you remember Barb, remember her smile, her diplomacy, her kindness and her humor. Remember her as the person you would strive to be like; the person who could make you smile with sarcasm; the person who could organize anything.
This December the fourth annual Barb Lynch Regional Youth Circuit will occur. It is a fencing event in her honor that utilizes an entirely volunteer staff with all proceeds going to Ovarian Cancer charities.
Author: Lisa Campi; Barb’s proud younger sister.
To honor Barb, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (http://www.trocrf.org/).
The Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. (TROCRF) is organized exclusively for charitable & scientific purposes. Their goal is to raise funds to advance ovarian cancer research towards a cure; advocating for early diagnostic treatment programs and to improve the lives of ovarian cancer survivors.
Remember September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Arrangements:
The will be a viewing at the Tuttle Funeral home from 1-5 PM on Sunday Aug. 29.
Tuttle Funeral Home
272 New Jersey 10, Randolph, NJ 07869
(973) 366-7400
http://www.tuttlefh.com
At 10 AM on Monday Aug. 30, a memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake RC Church in Mt. Arlington, NJ.
8 Windemere Ave, Mt Arlington, NJ 07856
(973) 398-0240
The family invites all to join them to honor Barb and her memory.
There will be food and refreshments after the service in the CCD school basement following the service.