Elizabeth "Lynn" Ethel Rhodes

Born in Liverpool, England on March 16, 1942, to Ellis & Kathleen Kinsley, Lynn (or Lilly as she was known in England) grew up in Liverpool on Fedora Street with her parents and two brothers, Al and Billy. Lynn was raised in a tight knit community with her aunt, uncle and cousins all on the same street. Once she finished school, she worked for a solicitor’s office at the Pier Head and was known to visit the Cavern Club from time-to-time. Rumor has it, she once dated an Everton soccer player. Although surrounded by family in her hometown, at the age of 19, she bravely made the decision to travel to America. Lynn made the one-way trip for $189.90 on April 26, 1961, and became a nanny in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She soon found herself in Washington D.C., working at Bassin’s restaurant. In 1964, a little bit of home arrived as she saw The Beatles perform at the Washington Coliseum. Lynn returned to Liverpool on several occasions and she was always so thrilled to have her family visit her in the States. She loved to recount the stories of her younger years in England and it is safe to say Liverpool was never too far from her heart.

While working at Bassin’s, with her 1960s style and beehive hairdo, Lynn caught the eye of a handsome young American police officer, Mike, a ‘Yank’ as he was affectionately called by her family. Lynn and Mike married in 1964 and soon started their family. Mike Jr. was born first with Mark arriving only 11 months later. Four and a half years later, their family was complete with the birth of their only daughter, Kristine. Lynn never worked outside of the home when her children were young, but as her children got older, she babysat for families before taking a job at the local gift shop, Something Special. She worked there from 1980 to 2000, with Kristine joining her for the first 10 years. Many of Lynn’s fondest memories are from her time at Something Special.

Nothing made Lynn happier than being Grammy and Mimi to her five grandchildren (Matthew, William, Megan, Patrick and Abbie). Whether watching the grandchildren while their parents went on a date, or being their childcare provider for the first chapter of their lives - Lynn loved every minute. Her presence and love helped form them into the young adults they are today. Once the grandchildren started growing up and needing less babysitting, Lynn and Mike found themselves alone again and started a tradition of a Saturday night movie and dinner.

Lynn was a constant source of comfort, love, encouragement, and friendship to her family. Through their lives, she was a fierce protector of her children and did not shy away from letting that be known to others. She enjoyed sitting on the porch keeping an eye on the neighborhood and was always ready to greet family and friends, especially treasuring visits from her grandchildren. Lynn was a wonderful cook and will be remembered for her chip buddies, potato salad and salmon roll; and she enjoyed a glass of wine and a sweet treat. After family events, Lynn would be the first to call to say thank you for “a lovely time and the food was delicious”. Lynn loved the simple life that she and Mike built and the family takes great comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her partner and the love of her life.

Lynn’s health started to decline over the past several years and in 2025 the sudden passing of her husband, two months shy of their 60th anniversary sped up her decline. The family wishes to thank Avalon Home and Goodwin House for the special care given to Lynn over the last several months.

Lynn is predeceased in death by her husband Mike and her brother Al Kinsley. She is survived by her children Mike, Mark (Nancy), Kristine (Bo) and her five grandchildren Matthew, William, Megan, Patrick, and Abbie.

A celebration of her life for family and close friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.