LYNCH, Mary Ellen (DeLaney)(Groff) 1927-2009

GROFF, LYNCH, DELANEY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/24/2009 at 12:40:02

MASON CITY, IOWA - Mary Ellen Lynch 82, died Saturday August 22, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date and inurnment will take place in the Osage Cemetery, Osage.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Mary Ellen was born January 21, 1927, she was adopted in Des Moines, Iowa when she was six months old to Hugh and Hila (West) DeLaney of Osage. Mary Ellen graduated from Osage High School and attended Grinnell College transferring to the Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She was recruited to teach physical education and music at Grundy Center.

Mary Ellen was united in marriage to R. Dale Groff of Osage in December of 1946; to this union five children were born. Mary Ellen worked at the Osage Telephone Company until transferring to Mason City to work for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in the late 70’s. Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Cornelius “Connie” Lynch they made their home in Mason City.

Mary Ellen loved playing the piano, singing, embroidery needle work, playing cards and Bridge. She really enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and attending their school activities. She loved decorating, baking and cooking for the different seasons and holidays.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a past member of the Moose Lodge. She also was active in the North Iowa Writers Club where she wrote and published her poetry.

Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Maggie Groff, Mason City, Mary “Dee” Gambrell, Incline, NV, Janet Groff, Incline, NV, Jim (Judy) Groff, Brandon, MS, Joan (Richard) West, Crystal, MN; grandchildren, Michael Groff, Mason City, Jon (Christina) Gambrell, stationed in Italy in the United States Army, Joe Gambrell, Cedar Falls, Kristy Groff, Brandon, MS, Mac(Angie) West, Rockford, MN, Mandi (Lance) Cook, Crystal, MN, Luke West, Crystal, MN; great grandchildren, Gabriel West, Crystal, MN, Anna Kate Cook, Crystal, MN, Cyrus West, Rockford, MN; along with other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Hila DeLaney and her husband Cornelius “Connie” Lynch.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel 641-423-2372
126 3rd Street N.E. Mason City, Iowa 50401
www.colonialchapels.com

[Colonial Chapel obituary, Aug. 24, 2009]