Warm and loving are some of the first things that come to mind when most of us think of Linda. Kind, caring, and deeply thoughtful, she endeared herself to everyone she came in contact with. Over the years she developed strong friendships and relationships with those she met, most of which lasted for many, many years, as so many can attest to.
Linda was born in 1952 to Shirley and Carl Walker. She grew up in a small bungalow in Warren, MI with her parents and younger brother, Tim. She was also very close to her grandmother who lived in the house behind them. The daughter of a firefighter, she spoke often of times when she went to visit her father at the firehouse only to find tables full of half eaten food left as the men ran out to battle another fire. She was especially close to him, and as she is laid to rest she carries his firefighter ring with her.
Shortly after graduating from Lincoln High School, she met Jack, who would become her soul mate. In a freak incident, Linda and her best friend left a bowling alley and placed their bowling balls in the trunk. Somehow one of the balls rolled out of its bag and knocked out a tail light. Two young men in the car next to them flagged them down to tell them the light was out. Her friend zoomed across two lanes of traffic nearly crashing into the two young Coast Guard men in the car. That chance encounter led to their first date.
In 1972, Linda and Jack were married, and shortly after, Jack was transferred. This began a journey which would take them to Hawaii, Alabama, Michigan, California, and back to Michigan. During this time they raised two children, Cara and Richard. While the distance from her family in Detroit was hard on Linda, the four were very close, and it didn’t matter where they were, Linda always made the newest military base feel like home.
Growing up, Linda was primarily a stay-at-home mom, and often volunteered at the kid’s elementary schools. At some point, she decided to go back to school. Linda spent several years working towards a Court Reporting degree and becoming certified to work in the California courts. Eventually, Jack retired from the Coast Guard and they moved back to Michigan. Linda worked at the Macomb County jail for several years, before eventually starting her own Court Reporting business primarily taking meeting minutes for the City of Warren. It was different from her original plan to work as a court stenographer, but she was happy and very proud of the successful business she was able to create. As was her entire family.
During the last few years, watching her battle cancer showed us all how strong and incredibly stubborn she could be. While she fought long and battled hard, surprising even the doctors who treated her, it doesn’t make this day any easier or less difficult for those who love her.
The love that Linda and Jack had, carried them through 42 years of marriage. Through the many ups and downs that life brought, they were each other’s support system, they were best friends, and together their love for one another created a legacy that now includes three grandchildren.
It’s hard to imagine a world without her. As a family, we take comfort in knowing that wherever she is now, she is without pain. We love you, Mom.
Linda was the devoted wife of John Richard “Jack”. The dearest mother of Cara (Michael) Cherry and Richard (Crystal Monroe). She is the cherished daughter of Shirley Walker and the late Carl Walker. She was the beloved grandmother of Caitlin, Colin and Lillian. Dear sister of Tim (Sally) Walker.