Susan Lynch
May 26, 1963 - September 17, 2021
Obituary
MONONA - Susan Helsel Lynch, age 58, of Monona, passed away surrounded by family and close friends, on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, after a three-year battle with leukemia. During those three years she fought hard through traumatic treatments and yet was able to enjoy precious moments with family and friends during periods of remission. The family is comforted knowing Sue is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.
Sue was born on May 26, 1963, in Madison, Wis., to proud parents Chuck and Barb (Rohr) Helsel. Sue graduated from Monona Grove High School and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Sue had a successful career in sales for Grainger who caringly supported her during her battle with cancer.
Sue was a strong, independent woman who raised her son, Zach, born in 1989. Subsequently, Sue married the love of her life, Christopher Lynch, in 1999. Sue and Chris were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sophia Lynch, in 2000.
Sue loved family time at the cabin, where she enjoyed kayaking, biking and gardening and most of all - family campfires. Sue was a remarkable cook who hosted many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the entire family. During COVID, Sue and Chris preserved their safety while enjoying many family phone calls, texts and virtual gatherings - including virtual time with their new granddaughter, Reese, born on May 3, 2021, to Zach and Kali in Tacoma, Wash.
Sue is survived by her husband, Chris; her son and daughter-in law, Zachary and Kali (Kolata) Helsel and granddaughter, Reese Helsel; daughter, Sophia Lynch; mother, Barbara Helsel; brother, Daniel (Virginia) Helsel; and lots of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Sue was preceded in death by her father, Charles R. Helsel.
A memorial service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. Masks are required.
Chris and the family wish to thank all the doctors, nurses and specialists who cared for Sue during her treatment phases - their compassion was astonishing. We want to thank the anonymous donor who bravely offered up their own bone marrow for Sue’s transplant and the many people who donated blood and platelets that allowed Sue to continue her battle. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations made in her name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/)
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sun Sep 26, 2021 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Sun Sep 26, 2021 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
SG
Steve Gillespie
Other •
Chris and family, may fond memories of Sue bring you comfort during this difficult time. My heart and prayers go out to you. Peace.
DH
Dan Helsel
Other •
Well Sis, here's my tribute to you. You have all of our parents best qualities and notably our father's best traits (pics below). You were strong, independent, worked hard and never backed away from a challenge. These traits proved true for you as a single mom, raising Zach who now begins his own family, you found the love of your life, Chris, who committed his entire life to you, more than any words can capture and together, you two raised a strong, independent daughter, Sophia. You taught us all what it means to never give up, never give in. As dad would say, "grind it out until you're dead." Love Brother Dan
DF
Deb Freese
Other •
So sorry to Sue’s Family for your loss, I meet Sue about four years ago though her work at Grainger. She was our Sales Rep. at Brakebush Bros. In Westfield. Very nice lady, like working with her, we had a lot of talks, some about work and a few about our personal lives. After Covid hit we lost touch, I will miss those talks. Rest In Peace Sue…see ya on the other side.
DL
Dan Larsen
Other •
My deepest sympathies and prayers to Chris , Sophia, Zach and to the rest of the Lynch and Helsel families. You don’t need me to tell you what a treasure you had in Sue. She will forever be in my memory from our time at Grainger. She was a special person with a light up a room smile. God bless you all.
JV
Jennifer Virch
Other •
I send my most deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Lynch Family. I work in the Purchasing office at Brakebush and have worked closely with Sue over the past 3 years and Sue will truly be missed. I remember my husband and I golfed with her and Chris one year at the Brakebush annual golf outing and I remember having so much fun and that is where I met Sue for the first time, so when I moved to the purchasing office, I was like, I Know you and we hit it off from there, talking about our families, work, her cabin up close to Westfield, etc... Sue had an incredible upbeat personality that was very contagious and I am honored to have known her. Sue, Heaven has gained such a wonderful person and I know you will be watching your family from above and that God/Jesus will continue to surround their love to your family during this difficult time. God Bless, you are Home!
MS
Michael Spott
Other •
Every conversation I had with her left me feeling better afterwards. Sue was always a positive presence that I will miss very much.