Jean Downing-Lynch, a beloved wife, devoted friend, and vibrant soul, passed away on May 16, 2025 after a long and difficult battle with medical complications. She was 70.

Daughter of the late Patrick and Jennie (Horgan) Downing, she was born in Flushing, Queens, NY on March 15, 1955. She attended St. Anne’s School in Flushing, St. Helena’s School in the Bronx, and Pace University.

She began her professional life working for Pan Am in the personnel department. During a company strike, Jean made the bold decision to enter flight attendant training - a choice that opened up a world of travel and adventure. She later continued her career in public service with Metro-North Railroad in New York, where she was known for her dedication and caring nature.

Jean was proud of her Irish heritage and family roots, which included the Downing, Horgan, Lovette, and O’Sullivan families. Her lineage carried the heart and resilience of Ireland, and those qualities shined through in the way she lived her life – with strength, grace, and deep compassion.

On September 28, 1996, she married James J. Lynch at Our Lady of the Lake Chapel in Newburgh, NY. Together, Jean and Jim relocated to Nevada, residing in Pahrump and later Las Vegas.

Jim survives at home along with their cherished dog, Schotzi.

Additional survivors include her sister, Geraldine Downing Anglum of Byram, NJ; her nieces, Megan Anglum Kamins & her husband Jarett of Westfield, NJ and Leah Anglum & her partner Steven Gaspernent of Kearney, NJ; and her great-nieces, Harper and Madison Kamins of Westfield, NJ.

She is also remembered with love by extended family and many dear friends whose lives she deeply touched with her warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

In addition to her parents, Jean was also predeceased by her brother, Rev. Brendan Downing.

Jean’s presence was a gift – she welcomed others with kindness, lived with curiosity, and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her memory will be treasured always.

Calling hours will be held from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, May 24 at Kraft-Sussman Funeral & Cremation Services, 3975 S. Durango Drive, Unit 104, Las Vegas, NV.

Additional visitation will be held from 10:00am to 12:00pm, concluded by a funeral service at 12:00pm, on Friday, May 30 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY. For online tributes, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.