Sept. 27, 1930 – Aug. 17, 2025

Marilyn “Lynne” Agnes Raggio passed away peacefully at home in Santa Clarita on Aug. 17 at the age of 94.

Born in Berkeley, California on Sept. 27, 1930, Lynne moved to Altadena during her teenage years and attended at the time combined Pasadena City High School/John Muir Junior College. It was there in 1946 that she met the love of her life in philosophy and art classes Carl W. Raggio Jr. The two were married on June 9, 1951 and would go on to share an extraordinary 72-year marriage marked by love, devotion and partnership.

Lynne was a proud first-generation Californian whose family history shaped the woman she became. Her maternal grandmother Gunn left famine-stricken Paisley, Scotland in 1909 with her three daughters – including Lynne’s mother Isabel. Their long journey brought them through Ellis Island and across the country by train to Oakland where tragedy struck: Gunn’s husband, a merchant mariner, died of malaria en route to India, leaving her to raise her daughters alone.

That same spirit of strength, determination and fortitude would become a guiding force in Lynne’s life. Raised by a father who served in both World Wars, and shaped by the longing that came with his wartime absences, Lynne dreamed of one day building a large close-knit family of her own. That dream came true: she raised three children, welcomed 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and created a home where love, laughter and unforgettable parties and meals reigned that included her legendary enchiladas, rice, beans, carne asada, menudo and her unforgettable chocolate brownies.

Lynne’s life was one of deep service and quiet leadership. In the 1960s, she began her community work as director of volunteers at La Vina Sanitarium in Altadena, later continuing with Huntington Hospital auxiliary in the 1970s. She was a passionate advocate for women through her almost three decades-long involvement with Soroptimist International of Glendale (SIG), where she served as president (1992–1993), a Laurel Society honoree (2003–2004) and a driving force behind one of the club’s proudest achievements: The Gardens, a $6 million, 75-unit senior housing project completed in 1994.

Alongside her husband Carl – then mayor of Glendale – Lynne helped secure land for The Gardens, a testament to their shared commitment to meaningful civic progress. She also served as president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club (1989–1990) and sat on the boards of Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation and Verdugo Mental Health. In 1994, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. 

“Women helped me grow in business,” she once said. “And I wanted to help them.”

In addition to her advocacy, Lynne managed medical offices for physicians and surgeons in Pasadena before launching her own company, Medical Support Services, which she successfully operated for over 15 years. Ever a believer in lifelong learning, she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of Redlands in her early 60s – already a grandmother but still chasing her dreams.

Faith played a central role in Lynne’s life. She and Carl were devoted parishioners at Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose for more than 35 years where they served as lectors and co-chaired the parish’s first capital campaign.

Though her accolades and accomplishments were many, Lynne’s greatest joy was found in the life she built with Carl and the family they created together. While Carl built satellites to explore the universe during his 40-plus years at JPL-NASA, Lynne was the steady ladder of love and strength that grounded them both – a true partnership reaching for the stars.

Lynne was the heart of her family: a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and mentor. She was a woman of humor, generosity, loyalty and fierce devotion. She was a legendary note-giver, brownie baker and laugh-maker. Her presence was a true gift to many; her legacy an everlasting guiding light. 

She is survived by her two sons: Carl Raggio III (wife Mary), Paul Anthony (fiancée Natalya); daughter Lisa (husband Greg Patterson), as well as her many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren – all of whom will carry forward her legacy of love, faith and family.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose, on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life reception at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Crucifixion, Forest Lawn Glendale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Soroptimist International of Glendale’s Live Your Dream project, which helps women pursue their educational goals by covering essential needs like tuition, books, transportation and childcare. To find out more, visit https://soroptimistglendale.org/.