Joan Ioan “Jil” Lynch passed away November 5, 2021, in Houston, TX. She was born in Sioux City Iowa, July 24, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Carrie Lynch. She is survived by her longtime partner, Robert Traylor, and a few distant cousins in the upper Midwest.
Joan earned her baccalaureate degree in psychology from the University of Indiana, a Master of Sciences in speech pathology from Northwestern University, and Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
She was dedicated to the profession of speech-language pathology her entire life. She was employed at the Speech and Hearing Institute as Supervisor of Diagnostics and became the Center’s director. She was highly respected for her ability to interact with colleagues and clients. She lectured to dental students at the University of Texas Medical School and served on the Cleft Palate Team.
Joan was an active volunteer in professional organizations. She was professionally associated with the following organizations: Houston Association for Communication Disorder as President, board member and recipient of the Tina Bangs Service Award. She also was involved with the Texas Speech Language Hearing Association, Texas Speech Language Hearing Foundation as a founding member, President, and active board member. She worked tirelessly at the Texas Speech Language Hearing Foundation to obtain funding for doctoral students to support their research endeavors. She established a fund to support the work of foundation. She volunteered as a tutor and a mentor to students in Houston Independent School District, as part of the Outreach Program of Christ Church Cathedral and Kids Hope. Joan served on the board of the Center for Hearing and Speech. She was President of the United Way Speech and Hearing Clinic at the University of Houston. She was an avid bridge player, opera fan, and world traveler.
A graveside service will be held in Bancroft, Iowa on Monday, November 15 at 11am at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bancroft. A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with a reception following at the Cathedral. The Service will be live streamed (for information, contact the Cathedral at 713-222-2593).
Donations in her memory may be made to Christ Church Cathedral (1117 Texas Avenue, Houston TX 77002) Outreach Program.
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