Posted on 10/05/2018
Susan Lynch, 66, of Easton, MD, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 1, 2018 at home. She was born Susan Jane Katski in Annapolis, MD, on Nov. 13, 1951, to the late Clayton Owen and Jane Perry Katski, of Bozman, Annapolis, and Tracys Landing, MD.
Susan grew up in the midst of the family farming enclave, surrounded by maternal aunts, uncles, and grandparents in Tracys. She attended the local elementary schools and attended Hannah More Academy before graduating from St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, MD, and attended Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, PA.
While a senior at St. Mary's she met the 'love of her life' and future husband, Midn. Michael Lynch, then a sophomore. Sue and Mike made lifelong friends and had many great times during the academy years. They were wed two days after graduation in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, starting their naval journey through married life. That seagoing journey took Susan to Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. At every duty station, Susan was an active participant in Wives Club activities, developing her skills as navy wife, counselor, and leader. Susan did all the jobs, building great family teams; ultimately serving as the Chairperson of the Command Service Group TWO Officer's Wives Club. Shore tours included two tours in Washington, DC, and a final tour in Annapolis, MD, where Michael served as the Director of Navy Sailing. In 1994, their naval journey transitioned to retirement in a ceremony at the Robert Crown Sailing Center at the U.S. Naval Academy.
In the late 1980's, Susan worked briefly at the Star Democrat in Easton before joining the staff of the newly formed 'For All Seasons' as Administrative Assistant. At For All Seasons, Sue provided support for the ongoing support programs while helping the founder and board shepherd the growth of the organization.
In 1995, Sue and Mike's journey took them to Grand Rapids, MN; where Mike worked at Blandin Paper Company, the local paper mill, sitting astride the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Sue met and forged lasting friendships with ladies from the mill and absorbed the local culture; learning how to properly say 'You Betcha' and the proper pronunciation of 'Dulut' (Duluth). Minnes-O-ta was a great place to live, with many lasting friendships. Sue was a lifelong dog lover, having Sheltie pet companions for over 47 years. The loss of a very young sheltie, Amberly in 1997 to an auto-immune disease launched Sue into her last great endeavor. She first joined APLB, Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement as a volunteer, rising to board member. In 2002 Sue was a cofounder of the Animal Love and Loss Network (ALLN), an on-line pet bereavement support association, serving actively as founder, board member, and counselor, until her illnesses forced to step back and let others carry on.
Sue and Mike were called home to Easton in 2005 to provide assistance to Sue's dad and Mike's mom, both over 80 and needing help as they finished their life journey's. Sue worked very hard at keeping her dad organized helping in his personal business. She was a member of the Bay Hundred Ducks Unlimited team that founded the BHDU Women's Rock Fish Tournament, held each year in late spring.
The family wants to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who helped Sue, the Easton emergency team that labored mightily for her at the last; but especially her special friend and companion, Tammy Haddaway, whose comfort and companionship Susan treasured.
Susan was predeceased by her parents and brother, 'Butch' Katski. She is survived by Michael, her husband of over 47 years; a sister-in-law, Joann Katski; nephew, Travis Katski, his wife Ashley, and their children: Wyatt, Avery Joe, and Beau.
There will be a memorial service at Christ Church, St. Michaels, MD, at 1 p.m. on October 17; a funeral service at St. James Parish, Lothian, MD, at 10 a.m. on October 19; followed by a private inurnment at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in Annapolis, MD.
Susan was a member of Christ Church, St. Michaels.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to For All Seasons, 300 Talbot St, Easton, MD 21601; Bay Hundred Ducks Unlimited, Bay Hundred DUPO, Box 99, McDaniel, MD 21647 or Talbot Humane Society, 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601.
For online tributes, please visit: www.fhnfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Star Democrat on Oct. 7, 2018