Carolyn Mitchell
Feb. 11, 1937-Feb. 6, 2026
Palo Alto, California
Carolyn Graves Mitchell, “Lynn,” died peacefully at her home in Palo Alto while being cared for by her two daughters. She was 88 years old. Lynn Mitchell is renowned for her considerate contributions to her family, friends, and community, made through her love, generosity, and wit. One need not have known her intimately to perceive her joyous, open-hearted spirit. She cherished her family dearly and conveyed her warmth through her radiant smile and cheerful demeanor. She was a lifelong learner who loved to laugh, dance, and draw.
Lynn had been a resident at Channing House for over 10 years, where she was known for her warm, welcoming way and numerous whimsical drawings for events, publications, and cards.
She was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on February 11, 1937, arriving 30 minutes after her twin brother, Charles Paulsen Graves Jr. She attended Northfield School, graduated from Connecticut College in 1959 with a BA in Art, and from Harvard in 1960 with an MAT. At Harvard in 1959, she met David Mitchell, a law student and the love of her life. Dave and Lynn Mitchell married in 1961 and raised two daughters in Palo Alto. They were active members of the Palo Alto community for over 60 years.
Lynn’s passion for learning was evident in her teaching in South Central Los Angeles during the 1960s. Her art classes were always over capacity. After earning her master’s in counseling from San Jose State University in 1980, she worked at Raychem Corporation, where she designed and delivered communication classes for employees at all levels.
She believed in service to the community, serving as a leader at Campfire for 10 years and actively fundraising for CAR (now Abilities Unlimited), the Bring Me A Book Foundation, and Teen Success. Other commitments included serving as president of the Mid-Peninsula YWCA board and on the boards of The Institute for Research on Women and Gender and The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.
In 1972, she created the Art Thing Wing Ding, a community art event for children. She also served as the Director of Religious Education at The First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, where she was an active member for over 60 years. With her love of singing, Lynn joined the women's chorus, Clef Hangers, performing in more than thirty concerts each year at nursing homes and retirement facilities.
Lynn and her husband, Dave, were honored with the Avenidas Lifetimes of Achievement Award for their volunteer commitments. They received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America, Pacific Skyline Council, in 2015 for their dedication to supporting local scouting programs.
Lynn is survived by her daughters, Sarah Mitchell of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Betsy Kinney of Aztec, New Mexico; sons-in-law, Tim Touchstone and Donal Kinney; and grandchildren, Andrea Mitchell Meyer, Rowan Kinney, and Nialo Kinney. She was preceded in death by her older sister, Ann Clare Graves; her twin brother, Charles Paulsen Graves Jr; and her husband, David Mitchell.
A memorial service will be held at The First Congregational Church of Palo Alto on March 27, 2026, at 1 pm. Donations may be made to The First Congregational Church.