Lynne Alison Carney

Born October 22, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, Lynne entered the world alongside her twin sister, Leslie, in what a local newspaper proudly announced as the heaviest twin birth in the city’s history. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Georgia Reinman.

A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing, Lynne devoted her professional life to caring for others. As a Registered Nurse, she served in a variety of specialties including pediatrics, endocrinology, allergies and cardiology before finding her calling in long-term care. For more than two decades at The Laurels of Willow Creek, she advanced through progressive leadership roles, ultimately serving as Director of Nursing. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, unwavering compassion for patients, and her ability to connect with staff.

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, Lynne was a proud member of Gayton Baptist Church. She was also considered to be a “medical miracle” as a triple negative breast cancer survivor since 1985 who, despite facing multiple recurrences, as well as other medical challenges, always managed to “beat the odds.”

Lynne’s life was full of color and stories. She loved bridge, speed walking, and reading, and never missed an episode of Criminal Minds, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy or America’s Got Talent. She found joy in the beauty of Niagara Falls, the Outer Banks, and Big Meadows.

Lynne was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Gary Schilling; her in-laws, Robert and Dorothy Carney; and beloved aunt, Genevieve Fitzgerald.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years Jim Carney; daughter Colleen Dennis; son-in-law John Dennis; and three adored grandchildren — Genevieve Lynne, Aaron, and Gretchen.

She also leaves behind her treasured twin sister and lifelong best friend Leslie Baird (Don) and their children Zach (Katie), Josh (Laura), Micah (Becky), and Noelle Esway (Dan); her brother Grant “Lud” Reinman (Ann) of Washington; niece Karen Warwick (Bryce); and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the 3rd floor nurses at St. Francis Hospital, palliative care physician Dr. Wesley Adams, and to The Laurels of Bon Air under the leadership of long-time friend and Administrator Scott Williamson, for their exceptional care during her final weeks.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 18 at Gayton Baptist Church in Henrico, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bon Secours Caring for Our Own Fund.