Barbara Moehl Lynch

Barbara Moehl Lynch, 89, passed away at Citizens Nursing Home Friday evening, December 5th surrounded by her family. Born on October 2, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa to Fred and Eleanor Moehl. Barbara was married to her husband James (Jim) Lynch for 57 years. Barbara was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa and graduated from Visitation Academy.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Jim of Rockville, her brother Tom Moehl of Carmel, Indiana, and her parents Fred and Eleanor Moehl of Dubuque, Iowa. She is survived by her three children Julie Lynch Arnsberger (Mark), Steve Lynch (Dawn), and Betsy Lynch Lanning (Billy). She has seven grandchildren Christopher Arnsberger (Carrie), Kevin Arnsberger (Alexandra), Matthew Arnsberger (Jennifer Kate), Megan Lynch Reifer (Alex), Stacie Lynch Holtzinger (Will), Brian Lanning (Danielle), and Jimmy Lanning (Brittini). In addition, Barbara has nine great-grandchildren, Madison, Sophia, Ryan, Grace, Hayley, Hannah, Maeve, Jayden, and Jaxson. Her family was the center of her life and brought her great joy, especially around the holidays. She worked hard to make each holiday very special for them.

Barbara lived on Loras Blvd. in Dubuque, Iowa which was directly across the street from Loras College, an all-men’s Catholic College. Barbara would always thank her father for living across the street from an all-men’s college and high school. She met her husband Jim who attended Loras College and they were married after his graduation. Upon Jim’s graduation he was accepted into the Navy’s Officer Candidate School and earned the rank of Lt. J.G. Barbara was always a strong supporter of her husband as they moved to California and was stationed at Point Mugu Naval Base. Later, they moved to Florida and then finally to Maryland, where she lived for 62 years.

She was a devout Catholic and was active in her parish of St Raphael’s in Rockville for more than 50 years. She was one of the founding parishioners who opened the church once built, which previously held Mass at Herbert Hoover Junior High, until the church was completed.

Barbara’s career was in the cosmetology and fashion fields. A majority of her career was with Paabo Hair Salon in Bethesda. She was the salon coordinator which included managing the front desk and cash register, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments. She loved her work and the fashions she was able to wear. She was always well put together from her hair to makeup, nails and clothes.

Barbara was a talented seamstress and loved to knit. She would sew the uniforms for the local High Schools, Cheerleaders and Poms. She also was an entrepreneur creating sweat suits, shoe décor and jewelry. After retiring she enjoyed more time with church groups and continued her knitting and sewing. She also loved watching the birds and squirrels on her deck.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Citizens in Frederick who took care of her for the past five years.

The family will receive visitors from 10:30am to 11:00am at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church at 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854. Mass will immediately follow at 11:00am. After Mass, lunch will be served at the church. After lunch, a semi-private burial will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Fredrick, Md. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Dementia Society of America – www.dementiasociety.org or St John’s Cemetery – Endowment Fund – www.stjohn-frederick.org