Mary Lynn Cipolat

Mary Lynn Cipolat (Spessard), 69, of Beckley, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Lynn, as she was known to those close to her, is survived by her husband of 43 years, Michael; her brother, Terry, of Oak Hill, WV; her three children, Ilora Sullivan (Kevin) of Ann Arbor, MI, Erin James (Chris) of Charleston, WV, and Rachel of Pittsburgh, PA; and three grandchildren, whom she adored, Clare and Lucas James, and Cian Sullivan.

Originally from Oak Hill and born to the late James and Wanda Spessard, Lynn graduated from Collins High School before she obtained her nursing degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology. Lynn instilled a love of exercise in her children at a young age, but it was not until they were grown that her own athleticism became evident. To cope with an empty nest, Lynn started out simply walking laps around the track at Woodrow Wilson High School, then moved to a combination of walking and running, before culminating in a dedication to long distance running that ultimately saw her qualify for the Boston Marathon in her age group in 2009 and 2010.

Family and friends are welcomed at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV, 25801, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on January 10, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Lynn’s name to The Gideons International.