(T&T Guardian) – THERESA LYNCH lived for her family and despite the personal sacrifices she had to make to ensure their well-being, it was never too much for her.
Described as a loving wife and devoted mother during her funeral service at the family’s home at La Pastora Village, Lopinot, on Tuesday, her cousin Jenny Voisin had to swallow several times as she struggled to see through her tears to read a prepared text on behalf of Lynch’s daughter, Rachel.

She said the 41-year-old was always willing to help those around her.
This was evidenced by the nods by those present, who agreed she was indeed a gem.

With only standing room at one point, scores of relatives, neighbours and friends filled the tents that had been erected in the yard. The funeral was conducted according to Hindu rites and officiated by Pundit Yogesh Maharaj.

Lynch was swept away by rising waters as she attempted to cross the river after leaving her garden at Surrey Village with her brother William Ramlogan and two others on October 5.
Her body was found two days later in a bamboo grove in one of the tributaries that empty into the Arouca River, near the La Florissant Bridge.

Voisin, who was selected to read Rachel’s touching tribute to Lynch, as she herself was unable to, said, “My mother was my world, my everything.”
“Despite however many times someone would call on Lynch, she would always answer, and she would always be there for you,” Rachel wrote

“My mother was one of the most humbling and hard-working individuals I’ve ever known, and she would always go above and beyond for the family and showered everyone with unconditional love and kindness.”
Recalling that her mom possessed a smile that could brighten anyone’s day, Rachel’s text continued, “She was never afraid of a challenge. Her love for her family was never-ending and deep, just like her love for food. She was always her best in the kitchen.”

Admitting she had been spoilt rotten by Lynch, Voisin cried as she shared Rachel’s innermost thoughts.
“She was my best friend, sister, and partner in crime, and were never apart for too long.”

Voisin, who lives close by, said she hardly saw Lynch sometimes, as she was always hustling to work to provide for her family.
Remembering the close bond and relationship Lynch shared with her husband Richard Lynch, Voisin said, “They were always together. They were a unit, a team, and the perfect alliance.”