Naomi Evers Lynch, a lifelong educator who began pursuing a doctoral degree at Penn’s GSE at the age of 61 and battled cancer for the duration of her time in the mid-career program in educational leadership, died September 2 in her home in Virginia. She was 64.

Ms. Lynch’s research focused on using civics lessons to help adolescents become engaged citizens with strong critical-thinking skills. She spent more than 40 years in classrooms around the globe.

She grew up in Atco, NJ, and was one of five black graduates in 1975 from Georgian Court College. She earned a master’s degree in adult and community college education from North Carolina State University. She also worked as a lead transition officer for the US Army Installation Management Command, supporting veterans moving into civilian life.

Ms. Lynch is survived by her two daughters.