Lynnette Louise Boughton

On November 24th, 2024, Dr. Lynn Boughton of Monterey, CA, tragically but peacefully transitioned to the other side. Within one mile of finishing the Big Sur Half Marathon, Lynn suffered a massive heart attack that resulted in an irreparable, anoxic brain injury. After two weeks on life support, surrounded by her beloved siblings and niece, her soul was set free.

Born on March 18th, 1957 to Colonel Charles & Betty Boughton in Apple Valley, CA, Lynnette Louise (her official name of which she always hated) was the oldest of five children. Larry and Michelle soon followed and after about a ten year gap, the younger siblings, Denise and John came along to complete the Boughton pack.

Lynn was, from the start, the golden first born child and daughter – an outstanding student with exemplary grades, a champion of spelling bee’s, bowling tournaments and science fairs. She also served as the editor of Notre Dame High School’s newspaper, from which she graduated with honors 1975. Always well-mannered, Lynn carried herself with humble grace, setting the bar high and leaving the trouble making to her brothers and sisters.

As a young adult and while putting herself through medical school, Lynn worked in the service industry for many years. She always valued her experience in hospitality and felt it should be a requirement for every human’s personal growth into adulthood. This is also where she met some of her oldest and dearest friends. She graduated with a psychology degree from Santa Clara University in 1979 and ten years later, received her doctor in chiropractic degree from Palmer College.

An avid, experienced runner and all-around health nut (“Is it gluten free??”), Dr. Lynn dedicated her life to learning about the science of our bodies, fitness, nutrition, and healing. She was a gifted and esteemed local chiropractor of over 30 years, always prioritizing the needs of her patients ahead of her own. Lynn approached her practice with warmth, empathy and an openness that set her apart and made her feel more like an old friend than a chiropractor. And she certainly was, to so many. The driving force and livelihood of her life was healing her patients. Her office was her second home, and her patients were her second family.

Continuing in the charitable footsteps of her mother, Lynn also religiously donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and UNICEF, yet another testament to her genuinely compassionate heart.

Outside of work and her commitment to wellness, Lynn was passionate about travelling, shopping, going to concerts and supporting Bay Area sports teams. She loved 70s and 80s music, an Aperol Spritz, and Denzel Washington.

Her notable giggle and silliness when she was around the people she loved most, is something that will live vividly in our minds forever.

Lynn is survived by her four siblings, Larry, Michelle, Denise and John, and her nieces and nephew, Kayla, Sophia, Cassidy and Stephan. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her beloved best friend and life partner, Bill.

A celebration of her life will take place on February 22nd, 2025 at 2:00pm at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Lynn died doing something she loved deeply and dedicated decades of her life to. It was her 21st marathon, and her goal was to complete 25. On Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, we will finish the remaining mile of the race for her. We welcome anyone who knew and loved her, to join us. Further details will be shared at her celebration of life on February 22nd.

On behalf of the Boughton family, we thank you for the profound outpouring of love and support for our dear “Lynnie”.

Donations can be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, UNICEF or the Carmel Foundation by clicking on the links below.