Lynn woman was a dedicated volunteer
LYNN — Lydia S. (Souza) Protz, 97, of Lynn, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House after a lengthy illness.
She was the beloved wife of the late Vincent P. Protz, with whom she was married for 46 years.
Born in Fall River, Lydia was the daughter of the late John R. and Georgina Souza. She was a graduate of Barnstable High School Class of 1935 and resided in Lynn for 72 years.
Lydia was a communicant and volunteer at Our Lady of the Assumption Church and also volunteered for Catholic Charities and was a past volunteer of the year. She was the second president of the PTA at the Shoemaker School and was past president of the Lynn Band Boosters and the Lynn Woods Civic Association. She was a past Cub Scout leader.
Lydia enjoyed her time in Limerick, Maine on Sokokis Lake and also enjoyed playing bingo, sewing, leatherwork, knitting, ceramics and crocheting. She was an exemplary person to follow.
She leaves three children: Patricia A. Campbell of Lynnfield, Paul D. Protz and his wife Mary of Lynnfield and Keith F. Protz and his long time companion Susan Behen of Maine. She was the grandmother to Lisa Banker and her husband Derek, Todd Protz and his wife Ruth, Craig Protz and his girlfriend Janine, Nicole Protz, Ryan Protz and his wife Kelly, Stephen Protz and his wife Megan and Colin Campbell. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late James P. Souza and Mary Souza.
Lydia’s funeral was held at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Saturday, Jan. 10, followed by a funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will be in Mosswood Cemetery, Cotuit. Visting hours were held at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 9.
For online memorial and guest book, please visit www.cuffemcginn.com.
