Obituary of Polly McEldowney Lynch

Polly McEldowney Lynch, age 92 of Chester, CT, formerly of West Hartford, CT died peacefully at home on December 17, 2017. Surrounded by many family members, she died with the dignity and grace she exemplified her entire life. She was born in New York City June 28, 1925 to Pauline Connor McEldowney and Howard Vanderlip McEldowney. She was a graduate of the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA and of Wellesley College. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald T. Williams in 1954, by her husband John Avery Ingersoll, Jr. in 1984, and by her third husband, Robert Merrill Lynch in 2009. She is survived by her three children: Daya Williams Soudan (and her partner Terry Anderson) of Deep River, CT, David T. Williams of Ithaca, NY, and Polly Williams Zarella (and her husband Peter T. Zarella) of Essex, CT. She is also survived by six grandchildren who lovingly called her Amah: Ashley Zarella Hand and her husband Gunnar of Los Angeles, CA, Margot Zarella Martello and her husband John of Ellington, CT, Peter John Avery Zarella and his wife Caitlin of Plainville, CT, Star Soudan Rueckert and her husband Chris of Old Saybrook, CT, Vanessa Avery Soudan of Brooklyn NY, and Abraham Alphonse Soudan who died in August, 2017. She also leaves six great grandchildren: Avery and Spencer Rueckert, Matthew and Michael Martello, and Genevieve and Grace Hand. A seventh great grandchild is expected in May. She is also survived by her sister, Hope McEldowney Kobak and her husband James of Redding Ridge, CT. Polly's twin brothers, Howard and Bruce died several years ago. During her lifetime, Polly volunteered at many organizations throughout Connecticut. She was an avid reader, gardener, and sailor. With her family, she travelled throughout Europe and the United States and she brought a wonderful sense of adventure and fun on each journey. She offered a boundless love, wisdom, style and grace to her family and friends and will be greatly missed. She was an extraordinary mother to us all!! Funeral services and burial are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wellesley College Students' Aid Society, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. To share a memory of Polly or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook, CT