Pelosi: Statement in Honor of Pat Lynch

September 21, 2004

Washington D.C. - "Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Virginia Summers Lynch , known to her family and friends as ``Pat ,'' who passed away on August 1, 2004. Involved in politics and in her community, Pat's boundless energy and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all who knew her. She epitomized the best of San Francisco.

"Pat was a fifth-generation Californian and a descendent of Spanish colonists who settled in the Monterey area in the 18th century. She spent her childhood in the San Simeon area and then attended UC Berkeley where she met her future husband, a law student from San Francisco named Thomas Lynch . They settled in San Francisco and remained happily married until his death in 1986. Together, they had two wonderful sons whom she loved dearly.

"Pat was actively involved in San Francisco's civic life. She was a founding member of JACKIE, a foster childcare organization, and she served as President of the Democratic Women of the San Francisco Bay Area. Pat was on the boards of directors for many organizations, including the Humane Society of San Francisco and the Humane Society of United States.

"Pat played an integral part in her husband's demanding legal career. Thomas Lynch served as San Francisco's District Attorney and was later appointed by Governor Pat Brown to be California's Attorney General. Pat's support was crucial to her husband's success.

"Loved and admired by her friends, one of Pat's most celebrated friendships was with the San Francisco Chronicle's famed columnist Herb Caen. Pat was the source of many of his items and was frequently mentioned in his column.

"We thank her sons, Kevin and Michael, for sharing their magnificent mother with us. I hope it is a comfort to them that so many people share their loss and are praying for them at this sad time. "

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