A longtime surgical nurse, devoted mother of seven, and tireless community advocate has been named Vermont’s 2025 Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc., an organization that traces its roots back to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the early national observances of Mother’s Day.

Kathleen Lynch, RN, senior staff nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center, was recognized for her decades of service in healthcare, her advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, and her inspirational role as a mentor and mother.

Lynch, a nurse for 48 years and a fixture at UVM Medical Center for four decades, was nominated by her children for the prestigious honor. The award celebrates her embodiment of the values of motherhood—compassion, resilience, and community spirit.

“Kathleen is an incredible role model for us all,” said Peg Gagne, 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.”

The award is presented by American Mothers, Inc., which evolved from the Golden Rule Mother’s Day Committee founded in 1931 to support dependent mothers and children. At its 90th national convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico this spring, the organization also awarded a Public Health Golden Rule Grant to the Burlington Ronald McDonald House in Lynch’s honor.

Lynch and her husband, Terence “Tex” Lynch, a retired anesthetist, raised seven children and now have three grandchildren. One of their children, Patrick, was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. He has served as a catalyst for the family’s ongoing advocacy for inclusion, including their leadership with the Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group and its annual Burlington Buddy Walk.

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

Lynch’s guiding principles of “Faith, Family and Friends” have shaped both her parenting and her nursing career. A graduate of Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester, Mass., she remains an active mentor to younger nurses at UVM Medical Center and is known for her deep well of compassion and dedication to patient care.

Her contributions have also been formally recognized by the State of Vermont. In May, the Vermont General Assembly passed House Concurrent Resolution 93, honoring her for her professional excellence, family advocacy, and decades of service to her community.

In her personal statement submitted to American Mothers, Lynch reflected on the lifelong journey of motherhood: “Becoming a mother is a leap of faith… 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.”

Lynch succeeds 2024 winner Carmen Menard, a Northeast Kingdom resident dedicated to helping women who are pregnant and in crisis. She serves as the Executive Director of Futures Pregnancy Care center. As the Executive Director, Carmen offers support and compassionate care as she provides affirming options, information, and education for women and men who are facing unexpected pregnancies. She has been married to her husband Richard, a retired pastor, for 35 years, and is the mother of one son.

Nominations for the 2026 Vermont Mother of the Year are now open. To nominate a deserving mother, contact Elizabeth Haggerty, president of Vermont Mothers, at hubbett@hotmail.com.