Burlington, VT – An organization that traces its roots back to first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her efforts to boost observances of Mother’s Day has honored a University of Vermont Medical Center nurse whose impact as a caregiver, mother and advocate embody the support, inspiration and mentorship of mothers nationwide.

 Kathleen Lynch, RN, a surgical nurse and senior staff nurse at UVM Medical Center and mother of seven, has been named the 2025 Vermont Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc.® The organization has its origins in the Golden Rule Mother’s Day Committee, which was formed in 1931 as a nationwide program that would help dependent mothers and needy children and promote observance of Mother’s Day.

The recognition highlights Lynch’s decades of community service, advocacy and efforts in support of inclusion and awareness around Down syndrome. She also received a commendation from the Vermont General Assembly, which in May passed House Concurrent Resolution 93 recognizing her decades of service to both her profession and her community. 

“Kathleen is an incredible role model for us all,” said Peg Gagne, MSN, RN, CENP, chief nursing officer at UVM Medical Center. “As a nurse, friend and mother, she embodies the compassion, care and dedication that all of us aspire to. We’re so lucky to have her.”  

A Legacy of Service and Family  

Lynch’s career in surgical nursing spans an extraordinary 40 years at UVM Medical Center. She graduated from Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester, Mass., in 1977. She has worked as a nurse for 48 years. Throughout her career, Lynch has exemplified the values of compassion, mentorship and resilience – qualities she instilled in her family.  

Kathleen and her husband, Terence “Tex” Lynch, AA, a retired UVM Medical Center anesthetist, raised seven children, now ages 25 to 39, and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. 

Lynch’s son Patrick, who was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, has been a central inspiration in the family’s advocacy for inclusion and awareness. In 2010, the family assisted with the first events hosted by Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group. In the years since, the group has grown to include more than 90 families from throughout Vermont and northern New York. It holds a variety of events, including the annual Buddy Walk each fall in Burlington.

“Patrick brings out the best in those around him,” said Lynch. “We have met so many kind, genuine families, medical specialists and educators because Patrick is a member of our family.”

Honored by American Mothers, Inc.®

American Mothers, Inc. selected Lynch for her unwavering commitment to faith, family and community. As the eldest of six siblings and a lifelong caregiver, she embodies the spirit of motherhood in every facet of her life.

“Becoming a mother is a leap of faith: faith in oneself and in the relationship with our partner,” wrote Lynch about her parenting philosophy. “We need faith as we nurture our children to become caring, compassionate individuals. Motherhood is an evolving role. Each pregnancy, each child teaches us something new. We need to be open to adapting in this remarkable, privileged role.” 

At the 90th American Mothers, Inc. convention® in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in April, the organization’s Public Health Golden Rule Grant was awarded to the Burlington Ronald McDonald House in Lynch’s honor. The organization serves as a “home away from home” for families with children receiving care at UVM Medical Center.

Lynch said she was “honored and overwhelmed” by being named Vermont’s 2025 Mother of the Year, after being nominated by her children. She has enjoyed meeting other honorees and hearing their stories, challenges and motivations.

“It’s been very special to meet mothers from all over the country who have been steered into experiences they weren’t expecting, for a variety of reasons,” said Lynch. “Nothing is guaranteed on the journey of motherhood. It is an evolving role and we need to be ready to listen, adapt and accept the opportunities that come to us while accepting the blessings of each day.”

Official State Recognition  

In May, the Vermont House and Senate adopted HCR 093, formally congratulating Lynch on being named Vermont Mother of the Year. The resolution highlights her professional excellence, her family’s contributions to the Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Buddy Walk and her enduring role as a community advocate. 

A Life of Impact

• Faith & Family: Kathleen’s guiding principles are “Faith, Family and Friends”, which have shaped her approach to both parenting and nursing. 

• Professional Mentorship: As a senior staff nurse, she continues to mentor younger colleagues and provide compassionate care to patients, reflecting the values instilled in her nearly five decades ago.

• Community Engagement: From organizing neighborhood swim lessons with the YMCA to volunteering with a local ski club, Kathleen has always prioritized community involvement. 

Nominations for the 2026 Vermont Mother of the Year are now open. If you would like to nominate someone, please contact Elizabeth Haggerty, president of Vermont Mothers, at hubbetthotmail [dot] com (hubbett[at]hotmail[dot]com).