Etsuko Ueoka Lynch passed away peacefully at home in Brooklyn, New York, on the evening of June 21, 2026. She was 86 years old.

Born in Matsuyama, Japan, Etsuko was the daughter of Takeko Yamane and Heikichi Ueoka. She attended Sophia University in Tokyo, where she met her future husband, Dr. John Lynch. Her commitment to helping young people began early. She received a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in social work at the University of Bombay, where she focused on the needs of vulnerable youth.

Etsuko later received an international leadership scholarship that brought her to Philadelphia, where she worked at St. Francis Vocational School, a historic trade school and orphanage. Etsuko went on to earn a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Together with her husband, Dr. John Lynch, she founded Camp Furusato in the Catskill Mountains, which she directed from 1971 to 1996.

Deeply attuned to the needs of young people who felt different or out of place, Etsuko believed that every child possessed unique strengths and talents waiting to be recognized. Her work focused not only on building community, but also on helping each individual discover their own abilities, voice, and self-worth. Former campers, counselors, and families continued to stay in touch with Etsuko throughout her life, a testament to the lasting impact she had on those she served.

Etsuko is survived by her daughter, Maia Lynch, her son-in-law Jerry Lim, her brother, Dr. Kiyotaka Ueoka, her granddaughter, Margaret Lim-Lynch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Lynch, her parents, Takeko Yamane and Heikichi Ueoka, and her sister, Toyoko Ueoka.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a short farewell service at 10am before the cremation at Green-Wood chapel. A memorial service celebrating Etsuko's life will be held in approximately one month, with details to be announced.

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Prayer Service
Saturday, June 27, 2026
10 AM
Green-Wood Crematory500 25th StreetBrooklyn, NY 11232