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This is a tribute to our beloved former Flotilla Commander, Lynette Marissa LopesMitchell.She has crossed the bar after a long struggle with heart disease. Her strength andfaith throughout years of pain have been inspirational. May she rest in peace.We wish her family comfort and strength in this difficult time, but we rejoiceknowing full well that she is in a better place.
Lynette M. Lopes of Providence, RI age
60 passed away peacefully on May 11,
2023 surrounded by her loving family
and friends after a fifteen-year battle
with heart disease. She was the wife of
her loving husband Marcus Mitchell.
Born and raised in Providence, RI, she
was the daughter of her adoring
parents Marilyn M. (Delgado) Lopes
and the late Donald J. “Danny” Lopes
Sr. She will be missed by her loving
siblings Chris Lopes (wife Maria),
Donald Lopes (wife LaVonne), and
Marissa Lopes; her cherished children
Ronald “RJ” Machado, Marcus Mitchell
II, Michael Mitchell (wife Sasha), Nichole Seymour (husband Zeke), & Morganna
Beltre (husband Zeus); her treasured eleven grandchildren Giselle, Jordan, Jalen,
Jayden, Javon, Jaliyah, Michael, Savannah, Starlynn, Zipporah, and Chalsie; her
precious Goddaughter Madison, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces,
nephews, and countless friends.
Lynette was a blessing to us all and her tireless work and generosity is a testimony
to her great Strength, Talents, devotion to Life, Love, and to everyone who
encountered her beautiful soul. Some of her accomplishments and works are
highlighted below in her legacy.
Lynette was a graduate of St. Xavier HS in Providence and Rhode Island College
(Communications & Management). She had many certifications including Licensed
Optician, Bryant University Professional Training and Development, Life Coach, US
Coast Guard Leadership & Management, Coast Guard Instructor, and Alternatives
to Violence Program Instructor.
Lynette had a robust career that included several positions; General Manager -
LensCrafters (1989-2000), Program Coordinator Community Relations - Blue Cross
(2005-2007), and Life Coach - Imagine You LLC (owner 2000-2023).
She was a tireless community advocate and actively worked to improve lives and
correct injustices. Some of her efforts include American Heart Association Heart-to-Heart Storyteller Alum as well as a Red Dress Ball Keynote Speaker and
member. She also founded the RI LVAD and Transplant Support Group for others
sharing her journey. Lynette was also a Captain (first Female Captain) of the Lion’s
club and LensCrafters Give the Gift of Sight Program traveling the world providing
eyeglasses to the underprivileged throughout the US, South America, Tunisia,
Albania, Europe and Asia. As a former multiple pageant winner, Ms. Rhode Island,
Mrs. Rhode Island, and two-time Rhode Island's Most Beautiful Woman, Lynette
was also a judge and mentor to several other contest winners and contestants.
She received the Outstanding Citizens Award from the Childhood Lead Action
Project for her work to reduce lead particulate in drinking water. Lynette was
active with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as Flotilla
Commander, Instructor, Assistant District HR Staff Officer and conducted many
Public Education boater education courses to help save lives. She also served as
the RI Urban League Guild President (2003-2005) and Urban League Guild Co-Eastern Regional Director responsible for eleven states. Lynette was a powerful
prayer warrior as a certified Christian Counselor, youth counselor, family
counselor and women’s counselor.
Lynette’s hobbies included a lifelong love for dancing and was trained in modern
dance, which she did for 20 years. She also enjoyed public speaking and
motivational speaking, walking, and was an avid reader. She is the author of
“Answering the Call: God’s Message of Love” a book that recounts her journey
and love for God and all people. Lynette was also a major Christmas lover and
celebrated Christmas every day.
Lynette was an absolutely beautiful woman both inside and outward who readily
shared her gifts and talents with the world. A true Blessing to Us All. She will be
greatly missed but her legacy of profound love will live on through and with us
forever. Thank you Lynette for Everything, We Love You!
Peace and Blessings