Lynnette Valerie Tello

Lynnette V. Tello, resident of Santa Clara, CA, and daughter of the late Lynn and Maria del Consuelo Heath, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023. Born on May 21, 1949, in Berkeley, CA Lynnette grew up in Vallejo, CA and attended Hogan High School. It was noted early how intelligent and musically prodigious she was, starting piano lessons at the age of eight and qualifying to join MENSA due to her high IQ. Volunteering as a candy striper at the local hospital and teaching piano lessons made up her teenage years. A gifted singer with a beautiful voice like a nightingale, she graced the stage during college vocal performances. After earning her BA in piano performance from San Jose State University, she travelled to London, England, in 1972 where she studied piano with the renowned pianist, Denise Lassimonne.

Ever the free spirit, she shared fellowship with other musicians and made many friends while living at the London Musical Club. After returning to the United States and teaching high school music, she met and married her first husband, John Celso. After marriage, Lynnette returned to San Jose State University and earned a master's degree, also in piano performance. She was a dedicated pianist, practicing for six hours per day and the same few bars over and over again until they were perfect. She gave recitals at local venues and thrilled audiences, including with a premier performance of composer Lou Harrison's Third Piano Sonata in 1977.

Soon after earning her master’s degree, Lynnette had two children for whom she was the most devoted mother. She gave such great care to her children that she pureed their baby food from fresh ingredients instead of using store-bought bottles and earned the titles of “Super Mom!” and “Queen of All Women!”. Her nurturing and caring qualities were always on display. Lynnette excelled at homemaking; sewing clothes for her children, baking delicious cakes, and cooking flavorful and nutritious meals. An excellent hostess, she always helped people to feel welcome and valued in her home. Lynnette was also called upon to care for her father as his health deteriorated. She navigated this challenge as she did all challenges in her life, with the utmost grace and compassion.

Lynnette taught piano lessons to many of the neighborhood children and adults in her home studio where she had a fine concert grand Steinway & Sons piano on which her students gave group recitals and from which beautiful music would fill the air. Her youngest pupils were her two children whose feet would swing in the air from the piano bench while playing. When not in her studio, Lynnette delighted in teaching music in schools across the Bay Area, from elementary to community college level. Equal to her love of music was her love of family. Activities such as Christmas carolling, easel painting, and adventurous outings were ever-present as her children grew. She and her family were never short on fun things to do or talk about. One of her son’s favorite memories which they laughed about often was his first fishing trip that she took him on during which they caught many tree branches and much seaweed but not one fish.

After divorcing from her first husband, Lynnette met and fell in love with Moises Tello, a fellow teacher. They married in 1992, living a life full of joy as if they were on an everlasting honeymoon. Friends and family remember the couple always singing together, a favorite pastime. They reveled in singing Christmas carols together with family during the holidays and celebrating special occasions. They took vacations to favorite places including Lake Tahoe, enjoyed musical performances and museums, and were movie aficionados. Callers would get a kick out the couple’s automated phone attendant named “Harold” who took messages on their behalf.

With Moises’ encouragement and support, Lynnette earned a second master’s degree in Special Education from Santa Clara University and began teaching special education to K-12 students in the Bay Area. Throughout her career teaching special education and music, Lynnette was often recognized for the excellent teacher she was. Always thinking of others, she spent hours after work developing lesson plans for her students and purchasing supplies with her own money so the students would have the things that they needed. Lynnette stopped working when Moises became ill. Caring for and being by his side was what mattered most to her until his passing.

Lynnette was described by all who knew her as sweet, gentle, and kind. She was a thoughtful and caring person whose wisdom preceded her wit and charm. A delight to her family and friends, Lynnette is remembered as a phenomenal pianist and talented singer. Sophisticated and stylish, she brightened up any room with her positive energy. As an avid gift giver, her thoughtful gifts illustrated her eye for fashion. She was also a lot of fun. While living in London, Lynnette and a fellow pianist had gone to a Halloween party dressed as a piano and a piano bench. In her golden years, she was known as the “Gypsy Lady” to one of her dearest neighbors for her spot on gypsy costume one Halloween.

Lynnette loved nurturing her children and grandchildren’s interests by encouraging their exploration of music and art through lessons and books. Her children and grandchildren were a great source of pride, and she derived great happiness from being involved in the lives of her grandkids. Lynnette loved nature, especially roses, flowers of all kinds, trees, birds, and squirrels, and had many beloved pets throughout her life. A peace-loving humanitarian and true champion, Lynnette always supported health and human rights causes and gave regular contributions to charitable and political organizations. She will be greatly missed and remembered dearly in the hearts of all whose lives she touched forever and always.

Lynnette is survived by her daughter Maria Jones of Winton, NC; her son, Michael Celso of Santa Clara, CA; and her two amazing grandsons, Frank (Frankie) Jones, Jr. and Harrison (Harry) Jones, all of whom she loved with every fiber of her being. She will be united in heaven with the love of her life, Moises Tello, who preceded her in death.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Lynnette V. Tello on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, at noon followed by a reception in the Community Room at John Burns Gardens Apartments located at 820 Agnew Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95054.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made

“In Memory of Lynnette Tello”

Bay Area Music Project

2532 Santa Clara Ave. Suite 348

Alameda, CA 94501

(You will receive a tax deductible receipt.)