Rochester - Sister of St. Joseph Mary Lynch (formerly Sister Mary dePorres), who was a math and religious education teacher for more than 35 years, died March 9, 2026. She was 98 years old.

Sister Lynch entered the congregation in 1945 from her home parish of St. Theodore, Gates. She earned a bachelor's degree in math and French from Nazareth College in 1949; and a master's degree in math in 1956 and a master's degree in theology in 1975, both from the University of Notre Dame.

Sister Lynch began teaching at Nazareth Academy, Rochester in 1949. She transferred to St. Agnes High School, Rochester in 1957. She returned to Nazareth Academy as a math teacher and was appointed chair of the math department. She then taught math for two years at Nazareth College before working on her degree in theology. In 1969, she returned to St. Agnes as a religion and math teacher.

Sister Lynch began serving as a religious education teacher at St. Patrick, Corning in 1973, and at St. Joseph, Penfield in 1977, and St. Francis, Phelps, in 1983. She later became a consultant for the diocesan department of religious education.

Beginning in 1985, Sister Lynch spent the remainder of her active ministry providing spiritual direction at Notre Dame Retreat Center, Canandaigua; the Sisters of St. Joseph Spirituality Center, Rochester; St. Mary, Waterloo; and St. Patrick, Moravia.

Sister Lynch is survived by her nieces and nephews; friends; and her sisters in the congregation.

Her funeral liturgy was celebrated March 16, 2026, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund at https://www.ssjrochester.org or by mailing Dawn Gruba at 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.

-- Courier obituary by Gina Capellazzi