Lynette Pelley

Lynette Pelley, 73, passed from this life and into the arms of her savior to relish eternal life on the morning of September 20, 2023, while surrounded by her loving family at home in Leander, Texas. She was born in San Diego, California, the only daughter of Betty May Barrett and Donald William Van Horn, and took pride following in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a lifelong civil servant. Some of her proudest professional moments were achieving her college degree while working and raising her two sons, as well as helping to protect children from abuse. She considered herself blessed to put her skills to use over four decades with multiple local governmental agencies in both San Diego, CA as well as Austin, TX. Never one to back down from a challenge or take a chance on the unknown, she relocated cross country on more than one occasion to achieve a better life for her family. Lynette didn’t shy away from adversity, showing her resolve and even learning to drive semi-tractor trailers during a temporary career shift in her life. She enjoyed learning to scuba dive in the Pacific Ocean; cruise and visit the Alaskan Wilds, the Caribbean, and the New England and Canadian waters; and sometimes just settle down with one of her favorite books, most certainly from her vast Agatha Christie collection. And of course, she savored her morning coffee with chocolate sauce ritual, which was frequently extended well into the afternoon. Lynette is survived by her youngest son Robert Pelley Curbelo and husband Luis of Leander, Texas; eldest son Kristoffer William Pelley and wife Kate, and their daughter Grace of Pflugerville, Texas; Former husband William Brantley Pelley and wife Valerie of Arlington, Texas; Brother-in-law Stan Noel Pelley of Oklahoma; and a host of loving friends and former colleagues. Her family is honored to respect her final wishes and will hold an ash scattering ceremony at sea in San Diego, California on January 31, 2024, underneath the high cliffs of the Cabrillo National Monument and the old Point Loma Lighthouse. Lynette will be returned to the only place she truly called home, at last reuniting with her beloved mother Betty. You will always be in our hearts; we love you mom. In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of San Gabriel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, AccentCare Hospice In-Home Services, and an array of friends and coworkers who offered comfort and a kind word along her final journey. “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22 NIV)

Lynette Pelley

March 7, 1950 - September 20, 2023