Lynette Francis Kell
1948-2024
Lynette Francis Kell, a devoted Christian, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, went to be with her Lord on September 27, 2024 at the age of 75. She was surrounded by family and her devoted husband, James A. Kell.
Born on May 10, 1948, to her parents, Frances and Milton Truszchowski, she grew up in Bethlehem, Pa. She married James Alexander Kell II on August 22, 1970, and graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University).
She had a successful career at Duke Medical Center as a phlebotomist and laboratory manager and after moving to Berkeley Springs, W.Va. she managed the local laboratory at War Memorial Hospital.
She and James raised her two children, Garrett and Morgan. Her home was a place of refuge, making those around her feel welcomed and loved. She earned the affectionate name “Mama Kell” from countless kids who knew her for her nurturing spirit and open arms.
Lynette enjoyed watching movies and listening to good rock & roll. Her car and home were often bursting with music and singing. She ensured her home was always decorated with pictures of family and filled with blooming plants. Lynette found solace and beauty on the Carolina coast and was able to return there in 2021 when she and Jim moved to Calabash, North Carolina to enjoy their retirement years together. In February 2024, after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, she and Jim relocated to Alexandria, Va. to be closer to family and her cancer treatment center.
Lynette is survived by her husband Jim of 54 years, her Aunts Letha Ticer and Amey Epstein, sisters Ellen Brahim and Deborah Flora and their families, her two children, Garrett Kell and Morgan Painvin as well as her 11 grandchildren, Eden, Haddon, Séraphine, Phoebe, Maelys, Graham, Amaya, Simeon, Elias, Tobyn and Birdie-Lynn (her namesake).
She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A memorial service was held at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to Del Ray Baptist Church’s benevolence fund.