Donna Eleanor Lynch

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

It is with profound sorrow and deep love that we announce the passing of Donna Eleanor Lynch, born on July 7, 1950, in Queens, New York, to Alvin Lynch and Mary Rudisell. Donna departed this life leaving behind a legacy of warmth and grace that touched every soul fortunate enough to know her.

Donna grew up in Queens, surrounded by a large and loving family. She was the beloved sister of Genevieve Hunt and Michael Lynch, cherished Goddaughter to Barbara and Kenneth Roberts, and sister to her Roberts siblings: Kenneth, Deborah, Michelle, Marty, Michael, Norman, and Mark. She lovingly embraced her role as wife to her devoted partner of 36 years, Vernon Cooper, and as stepmother to Danielle and Michael Cooper.

Donna was the mother of Tahira Wellman, stepmother of Anas Wellman, and the grandmother of Hassan Muhammad and Hamzah Muhammad, whom she adored deeply. She was an aunt to countless nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her love was expansive, always extending to those around her, nurturing them with kindness, a keen sense of humor, and thoughtful conversation.

Educated in New York, she graduated from Jamaica High School and pursued further studies at Queensborough Community College. A dedicated professional, Donna worked for many years as an administrative assistant and later as a legal secretary at the securities firm Carter Ledyard and Milburn, where her precision, professionalism, and warmth were admired.

Donna lived life with curiosity and passion. She was an avid reader, who loved to share meaningful insights shaped by her intellectual depth. This passion also informed her involvement in the black liberation struggle in the 1970’s and other justice related causes over the course of her life. She loved reading history and seeing it come alive through international travel. She traveled widely, embracing new cultures and traditions, and even lived abroad for several years in her youth. Her love for travel also took her to West Africa on a historical tour with her beloved partner Vernon.

A true artist, Donna possessed remarkable talent as a jewelry designer, creating custom pieces that reflected her creativity and love for those she designed for. She was also moved by the visual and performing arts, and her love for music spanned many genres.

Donna’s spirit came alive in movement—she was an intermediate salsa and merengue dancer, and dancing was one of her greatest joys, often shared with her partner Vernon. In her retirement, she found fulfillment in reading, cultural exploration, rich conversations, and the company of her treasured grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family members.

She lived fully, loved deeply, and is remembered tenderly.
Her presence consistently brought comfort. Her words often offered wisdom. Her compassion made others feel valued. She moved through the world with magnanimity, creativity, intelligence, and warmth, and she made those she loved better for having known her.

Let us take solace in the fullness of her life and the love she gave so freely. Let us cherish her memory, holding close the moments she shared with each of us that made our lives richer.
 

May God have mercy upon her soul.
May He grant comfort and peace to all who loved her.
May every memory of Donna fill our hearts with strength and serenity.
She will be deeply missed, and profoundly remembered.

“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Eleanor Lynch, please visit our floral store.