Lynette Maxwell Cornell of Washington, Conn. died peacefully with family by her side on Jan. 5. She was 89.

She was born on May 21, 1933, the youngest of John C. and Genevieve Mangam Maxwell’s two children. She was raised in Manhattan and graduated from The Chapin School, Miss Porter’s School and Briarcliff College. She spent childhood summers in Washington, Conn. There she met the love of her life, Paul Lincoln (Linc) Cornell Jr. They became inseparable. They lived for each other and it is hard to imagine them apart.

Washington was her happy place: she loved family, friends, and especially 1 Laurel Lane, Lake Waramaug, Goin’ Around, waterskiing, the Rumsey Hall School, the Frederick Gunn School, golf, tennis, Clamps restaurant, the Hopkins Inn and the food market.

She was an engaged community member, serving on the development board of New Milford Hospital, the Rumsey Hall School and the Frederick Gunn School. She was a passionate member and supporter of the Washington Club, the New Milford animal shelter and the Institute for American Indian Studies.

Lynette loved spending time with animals while supporting and volunteering at local shelters. At any given time, she had multiple dogs, cats, birds and guinea pigs in her home. She also loved caring for and riding horses.

She was happiest spending time with family and lifelong friends. She and Linc started vacationing on the Vineyard in the 1950s and returned every summer. They would own several houses on the Island over the years and were members of the East Chop Beach Club, East Chop Tennis Club and the Edgartown Yacht Club. She was 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 Pogue.

Her 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 — and played into her 70s, along with refereeing local games. She could be seen watching the New York Giants, Yale Bulldogs, Tom Brady and the Hartford Whalers.

Her 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 Choral Society. She loved reading, photography and travel; Africa, Duggan’s Reef and Buck Island were some of her favorite destinations.

She had a wonderful spirit and love of life. She was also enduring, strong and gave the appearance that she would live forever. She welcomed everyone into the Cornell home and was a second mother to many. Her children’s friends were always present, appreciated and loved.

Lynette was the beloved wife of Linc for more than 68 years and a loving mother to Linc 3rd and his wife Lois, Steven and his wife Sally, Michael and his wife Athina and Melinda and her husband Kevin. She loved watching Linc 3rd sailing Eagle, Steven saving goals, Michael scoring goals and Melinda creating beautiful art. Her 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. The baby blankets that “Nettie” or “NeeNee” 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 3rd and her niece Susan Sky. She was preceded in death by her brother John C. Maxwell Jr. and her beloved Eva Henderson.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at the Rumsey Hall School in Washington, Conn.

Memorial contributions can made in to the Kent Singers at kentsingers.com.