HONEY HONEY – A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
July 1, 1947 – November 6, 2010
Irene Lynch Honey, always known as “Honey” (July 1, 1947 – November 6, 2010), resident of Portland and Long Island, Maine. Honey unexpectedly passed away on her most special island in Maine, which she loved more than anywhere else in the world.
Honey was born in Boston, MA and grew up in Winchester, MA. Her father, Dr. Joseph P. Lynch, Jr. was from Marlboro, MA and her mother, Irene Kelley Lynch, from Milton, MA. Honey, her twin brother Joe, and younger brother Kevin were part of an Irish clan of 58 first cousins. In 1971 Honey married Stephen “Tim” Honey, from Westport, CT. Together they raised two beloved children, Kristen and Ryan.
Honey graduated from Georgetown University in 1969, and received a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University. Throughout her professional career she worked with thousands of students in career counseling and student development. Her university service took her to the University of Southern Maine, Rhode Island College, University of Colorado, and George Washington University.
Honey loved to travel and had an amazing eye for unique folk art and paintings. She appreciated beauty in every town, city, country and continent she journeyed to with her husband, children and friends. She was also an artist in her own right, painting watercolors of the family garden, sunsets on Casco Bay, and the snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Honey profoundly touched people from around the globe. She and her husband Tim began their marriage by honeymooning in Africa, and she always felt a spiritual connection to the African people and their beautiful continent. Whether volunteering in a township in South Africa or visiting her family on the West Coast, Honey loved exploring, learning, sharing and laughing as she brought joy to all she touched. In recent years, Honey returned to Maine to reconnect with the deep friendships and strong communities that she cherished. From this a renewed spirituality flourished.
Above all else, Honey’s greatest passion was her family. Her love knew no limits and she taught her children and their friends to follow their passions and dreams. Honey opened her arms, home, and heart to anyone who asked. Exchange students, guests, and friends in need were lifted up by her generosity and made part of her extended family. Her love was boundless and unconditional. Honey touched the lives of so many with her smile, compassion, insight, charm, and wonderful sense of humor that often left friends literally crying with laughter. Honey would want everyone to keep on loving and laughing.
Rest. Breathe. Sleep. Pray.
Accept. Surrender.
Heal.