Lynette M. Cornell

1933 - 2023

Lynette M. Cornell
Lynette Maxwell Cornell of Washington, Connecticut passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 5, 2023. Lynette was the youngest of two children born to John C. and Genevieve Mangam Maxwell on May 21, 1933. She was raised in Manhattan, New York and graduated from The Chapin School, Miss Porter's School, and Briarcliff College. Lynette spent her summers as a child in Washington, CT, where she met the love of her life, Paul Lincoln Cornell, Jr. (Linc). The two became inseparable.
Engaged in the community, Lynette served on the Development Board of New Milford Hospital, Rumsey Hall School, and The Frederick Gunn School. She was a passionate member and supporter of the Washington Club, New Milford animal shelter and the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT. Washington was her happy place: family, friends, Lake Waramaug, Goin' Around, waterskiing, Rumsey, Gunnery, golf, tennis, Clamps, Hopkins, and the food market.
Lynette loved spending time with animals while supporting and volunteering at local shelters. At any given time, Lynette had multiple dogs, cats, birds, and guinea pigs in her home, and she also loved caring for and riding horses.
Lynette was happiest spending time with family and life-long friends. In her younger years, with Linc by her side, she spent countless summers on Martha's Vineyard and quickly became famous for her tennis prowess, sailing acumen and infectious laughter. The Vineyard was the site of many special memories; East Chop, the Ladies, Swish, Eagle, Shanty, lighthouses, sunsets, and picnics on Cape Poge. Lynette's athleticism and love of sport was evident in her many golf club championships and tennis tournaments throughout her life. She was also passionate about field hockey, forming the Marvelous Mothers, competing against local high school field hockey teams, while playing well into her 70s, along with refereeing local games. A true sports fan, she could be seen watching the NY Giants, Yale Bulldogs, Tom Brady, and the Hartford Whalers (Brass Bonanza: she loved that goal song).
Lynette's love of music was palpable. The house was always filled with songs from Broadway shows to John Denver. She played the guitar, had a beautiful voice, and spent many years singing with the Kent singers and the Connecticut Chorale society. She loved reading, photography, and travel; Africa, Duggan's Reef, and Buck Island were some of her favorite destinations.
Lynette had a wonderful spirit and love of life. She was also enduring, strong, and always gave the appearance that she would live forever. Over the years, she welcomed everyone into the Cornell home and was a second mother to many. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner - it did not matter. Her children's friends were always present, appreciated and loved. Nothing like a grilled cheese, chips, and a cold coke before heading back to school.
Lynette and Linc, Linc and Lynette. They lived for each other, and it is hard to imagine them apart. Lynette was the beloved wife of Linc for more than 68 years, loving mother to Linc III (Lois), Steven (Sally), Michael (Athina) and Melinda (Kevin). She loved watching Linc III sailing Eagle, Steven saving goals, Michael scoring goals and Melinda creating beautiful art. Lynette's 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. The baby blankets that "Nettie" or "NeeNee", as she was affectionally known, knit for them will be an enduring reminder of her love. In addition to her immediate family, Lynette is survived by nephew John C. Maxwell III and her niece Susan Sky. She was preceded in death by her brother John C. Maxwell Jr. and her beloved Eva Henderson.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to all the staff at Brandywine Living in Litchfield, CT. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can made in Lynette's memory to the Kent Singers at kentsingers.com . A celebration of Lynette's life will be held on Saturday June 17th 2023, at the Rumsey Hall School, Washington CT at 3:00pm.