Centennial School Board President Remembers Colleague

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — The president of the Centennial School Board has written a touching tribute to her friend and colleague, the late School Director Jane Lynch.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday for Lynch, who passed away earlier this month at age 88. Lynch had served on the school district for 18 years.

"Like many households in the country decades ago, it was not uncommon for many people to read the Reader’s Digest," Centennial School Board President Patti Crossan said. "For many years, the Reader’s Digest was the best-selling consumer magazine in the country. The most popular feature in the magazine was a series that highlighted "The Most Unforgettable Character I Ever Met." That character was someone who imparted wisdom, humor, and humanity. That person made sense out of difficult situations and was willing to give time and effort to make a difference. In my life and the life in Warminster Township that person was Jane Schrader Lynch."

Lynch was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and community activist who never knew how to slow down," Crossan said.

"She was well prepared, no matter what her assignment," Crossan said. "She was meticulous in all she did. She had a strong moral fiber and strong sense of what was right and what was wrong. She did not suffer fools gladly."

Lynch won re-election in November and was sworn in for a new term for the school board's reorganization meeting. She appeared with Crossan in a picture after getting sworn in by District Justice Christopher O'Neill.

"Even at the age of 87, when the community needed her, she agreed to run for school board," Crossan said. "There were those who rejected the idea that someone of her age should run, but she tackled this campaign with determination. Although her body was wearing down her mind was as sharp as could be. She put her opponents to shame as they could not equal her knowledge."

Crossan said that Lynch was an early riser who made morning calls to campaign workers with her ideas.

"She had a wonderful last campaign and frequently told all what fun she was having," Crossan said. "She had a great time."

Crossan also praised Lynch for being a "rare political chameleon" who was elected at various times as a Democrat and as a Republican.

"Although her last Registration was Republican she ran with the Democrats who had the good sense to endorse her," Crossan said. "Her running mate was a Democrat, and the community loved it. I think there is a good lesson for all in the political world. In reality, she owed her allegiance to neither party but to her community."

"For me, Jane Schrader Lynch was the most unforgettable character I ever met. Her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her," Crossan said.