At the center of her great big generous heart, Lynette Martin was a caretaker. She took care of neighborhood kids with skinned knees, troubled teens who needed time away from home, birds who’d fallen out of nests, and even plants who’d wilted under the brown thumbs of her children and friends.
Lynette was born in 1938 in Youngstown, Ohio, to beloved parents Howard and Ruth Chinowth. She attended Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse, putting in motion a lifetime of caring for others. She worked at the VA hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, but hung up her uniform to take care of her babies when eldest daughter Dawn came along. Lynette’s creativity and sense of humor made her the best costume maker, the most fun room mother, and the designer of the denim shirt that was the envy of all.
When grandchildren came along years later, “Mema” lavished her attention on them. She was never happier than when surrounded by Callie, the Middles, the Littles, and Poppy Grace. Lynette and her sister Barb worked hard to create meaningful experiences for their children and grandchildren, which led to weeks on the beaches of Lake Michigan and excursions to Alaska, London, and the Caribbean.
She was a devoted volunteer and supporter of In the Image, a local organization that provides clothing and household necessities to those in need.
Lynette died in her home Tuesday, surrounded by her sister and her girls, who tried to take care of her as well as she had taken care of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Ruth, granddaughter Grace Rupprecht, and niece Gail Berry.
She is survived by sister, Barbara Berry; children, Dawn and Erick Rupprecht, Lori and Howard Eisenhart, and Jennifer Martin; granddaughters, Callie, Emma, Annie, Erin, and Molly; great granddaughter, Poppy Grace; nephew, Bill Berry; great-nephew, Matthew; and dear friends, Lou Hospodarsky and Nancy Buchanan.
A memorial and celebration of Lynette’s life will be held from 2 – 4PM on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with a time of sharing at 3:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider either donating to In the Image, 4255 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508, or hanging a birdfeeder for Lynette’s little angels.
2 Responses
I smile when I think of you, Lynette. Whether talking with you at church or spending time with the family that we both love. My heart is with you and your wonderful family.
Gregg
Lynette was a wonderful woman that I admired very much.
Rest In Peace. Hugs to her family.
Jill and Jeff Dean