Dear Bruce and family,
I just found out about Linda's passing from Susan Finklea French.  Susie, Linda and I were each others best buds at TCU. I am so so sorry that I did not contact her sooner. I went to see you in Taylor once when you were newly married. I don't know if you remember me. Becky Rangel Henton
Please contact me if you wish, 817-480-2296. I live in Fort Worth.

As a high school friend and fellow church member, I was deeply saddened when I heard of Linda's passing.  My sincere condolences to the family.  We had some great times together at the Congregational Church youth fellowship and many common activities in high school.  I see that Linda (and her family) returned to the Congregational Church in Sheboygan, which I am certain brought her great joy.  Linda was always great fun and one of the most caring individuals I knew in high school. She will be greatly missed.

I graduated from North High with Laurie and Lisa. Thinking of you at this difficult time. 

Erica Davis

I have so many fond memories as a child with your sweet family. Laurie and Lisa were my dear childhood friends and I recall many nights spent with Ms. Linda and Mr. Bruce. My heart is with all of you and I was saddened to hear of the passing of Linda. She was such a fun-loving mom and so caring. My whole family has shared memories of her as we recall times from years past. She will be an angel watching over her dear family that is certain. My sympathies to you all.

Dear Bruce, Amy, Laurie and Lisa,

We are so saddened about Linda's passing. She was such a special person and wonderful friend back in the days when we were all raising little ones! It seems like only yesterday that we would be together at your home on 19th street in the cold winter sitting around the fireplace drinking coffee while you kids played, Bruce, you would be down the basement stoking the furnace with the toilet seats! 
You always called Linda "Shugs" for sugar! That wonderful, southern term. 
Our many nights together - Gourmet Group, where we cooked things we never had had before and shared so many wonderful, funny stories. Those memories are so special to Gary and myself.
Its been 20+ years since we moved to Memphis but have always thought about all of you over the years.
We send our love and sympathy to each of you during this time of such loss. Linda would want us to celebrate her time with us on this earth.  We will do just that. May God comfort you in the days to come.

Love, Betsy and Gary Weber and family

Dear Bruce, Amy, Laurie, Lisa and Mrs. Van Driest,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.  I don't even know if the girls remember me, but I used to babysit for you when Laurie and Lisa were small, and Amy, you always helped me with which twin was which. :)  The Van Driest and the Schoenwald families have been good frieds for many, many years. The last time I saw Linda was on a visit from Denmark, Europe to Sheboygan with my 2 little boys.  We were visiting Mrs. Van Driest when Linda stoppped by. She gave my eldest son a book that Rob had when he was young, The Secret Hideout, and my son, now 7, can read it himself now and it is his favorite book. Linda was a very special person, and I will cherish her memory forever.
Big hugs to you all!
Love Tina (Schoenwald) Thaler

Dear Bruce and Girls, You have all been in my thoughts these past days. I have found both amazement and comfort in the idea that my mom and Linda were together on that last great journey into the next room. They enjoyed each other in this life, and I like the idea of them keeping company on their way to the next. I loved your mom and am truly happy for her that her struggles have ended, although, by my clock it was way too soon. I know the memories I have of her will always be tinged with a bit of regret that she left us so early. On the other hand, I take great comfort in the idea that her loveliness lives on in you. Be well and take care. You too, Bruce. Kathy Nelesen and Bill too.

Dear Bruce and Family,
Joe and I were so very sad to hear of Linda's passing.  We have so many fond memories of time spent with your family.  Having three daughters the same age just made us "click" when we first met you at UCC.  We will never forget Linda.  She was such a dear person.  Know that your are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.  Our deepest sympathy to your entire family!

To Linda's family, my condolences. Working with Linda at James Madison I have some very goofy memories of her that carried on to Farnsworth when she was my son's guidence councelor. I would like to share with you the two that mean the most with you. When Linda and I worked together we used to do cheerleading jumps during some down times, giggling the whole time. The other is we both loved "Wizard of Oz" and would quickly act like we were in the line when the Monkeys were lined in the castle. She was a wonderful woman.God bless you all.

Linda was a force in my daughter Sara's life and mine.  As a young father (21)with a Deaf daughter, I was turned away from other schools in the county. Sheboygan was the birthplace of mainstream deaf education in the state.  In 1986 I met Linda and it set the table for much of my life and Sara's.  As President of the Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children of Sheboygan County, I have followed the gift that Linda gave me.... the power to influence a childs life through understanding Deaf issues and being a force as she was.  Sara's life would have been different and  in a sad way without Linda helping her as a preschool child, Linda was an  all in force  for Sara.  Linda helped Sara see herself as someone able to lean into the hard things growing up Deaf is,  and to maintain her positive attitude and happiness.  Sara is an accomplished pianist though totally deaf, a high school valedictorian, A finalist in State Mock Trial.  The nations first Deaf Horatio Algier Scholar, Suma Cum Laude college graduate and an Employee of the year at the State Department in Washington.  Linda is imprinted on everything Sara has accomplished.  Linda made me believe in myself as a 21 year old.  She introduced me to the concept of paying something forward.  She set the stage for me to consider something I due for free as a leader at the association be the most important thing I do with my adult life.   27 years and counting.  The most pivotal person in my daughter's life and my adult life was Linda Matthews.  Linda I told you as a young man I was grateful for you and I would make you proud.  I hope I have and I hope I always do.   You were a gift in this life.  I'll see you again someday!  Thanks for helping me be the father I wanted to be for Sara and for lighting the fuse on my passion to help other families do what you did for us.    All my respect and love,  I will miss you........ Dave Collins.  .

I had the opportunity to work with Linda first as she assisted a hard of hearing Enlish as a Second Language student at Farnsworth, and later as she served as a guidance counselor there.  She was so kind and caring.  May God be with her family at this difficult time, and until your joyful reunion in heaven. Nancy StClair, Indianpolis, IN.

I met Linda in the spring of 1969 while she was on vacation in Ft. Laud.  We became friends and would write to each other. In 1970 I enrolled at Lakeland College. That year she was elected Homecoming Queen. She was a stunning beauty! I was very proud of her. I was fortunate to attend many VanDriest family outings, some of the best times of my life. Linda and I parted ways in 1971. Many years later in 1997 we met for lunch, we had a lot to talk about. She was a special lady and very beautiful on the inside. I had no idea she was ill and her passing comes as a tremendous shock to me. May she rest in peace and God bless her family.

My deepest sympathies for your loss.  Linda was my son Matt's counselor at North.  She always had a smile on her face and an ear for listening.  She was a wonderful lady.

We have wonderful memories of the Matthews family when all of our girls were young. We were then on N 18 and you were on N 19 St.  I ran into Linda last year at Country Crafts in Plymouth.  Only spoke for a moment but could still feel the "old" friendship we had.  We are so saddened by her passing at such a young age. Our condolences Bruce, Amy, Laurie and Lisa and the rest of the family. Your "old" neighbors, Mark and Carol Schultz

Linda was my guidance counselor at Farnsworth for all 3 years I was there. She cared about me and supported my ups and downs in life. You will be missed, Mrs. Matthews... :-(

I still remember how good Linda was to me in high school.  She was one of the few genuinely nice people I knew.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Linda, Rest in peace.  You are one of the loveliest people I have ever known -- so funny, so kind.
When you got your pant leg caught in your tricycle chain on Clifton Ave. and were crying, I crossed the street with Dad and he helped free you. It was the beginning of a friendship that I've treasured my whole life.  Our walks when I've been back in Sheboygan and our lunch with Lee last year are priceless to me now.  I'll treasure forever the 4 watercolors I bought from you several years ago and hope you realized how wonderfully talented you are.
My heart breaks for your family and for your Mom.  It's unimaginable that you are gone. Love, love, love,  Jeannie

To the Family of Linda Matthews,

I knew Linda from the JM Painter Friends.  Although I didn't know her well, she was always so friendly and nice to me.  The last time we met was at Caan's Floral.  We were both buying flowers.  My memories of your Linda are few but so full of kindness.  You are truly blessed to have so many.  My condolences to you all.  May God bless and comfort you.

Beverly Nowicki
JM Painter Friend

Dear Mrs. Van Driest, my sister Kiki Suscha called last night to tell us of your sad news of Linda's passing.  I just wanted to tell you that she touched my life very sweetly and gave me some very special high school memories by inviting me to be a hostess for the North High Formals. I know that all of you memories are as sweet.  God bless.  Peg (Kilton)Hickey

Linda will be truly missed forever.  She was a wonderful neighbor and everytime we ran into each other she always had a smile.  A great lady in every way.  So accomplished!

LInda was a wonderful guidance counselor at Farnsworth not only to the students, but also to the staff. At times when things were challenging, she always had time to listen and advise.  She helped me tremendously through some really difficult situations, in addition to always "being there" when kids were crisis.  She had a smile and positive spirit that boosted everyone to a better place for the remainder of the day.  She often shared compliments from students and parents, making the staff here all feel more valued and appreciated. She left indelible impressions on hundreds of children and adults that will carry on for generations to come, making the world a better place for everyone.

Dear VanDriest and Matthews family,
I had the pleaseure of working with Linda at Farnsworth and she was always happy and willing to do whatever she could for both kids and adults. She had a short life, but she filled many with joy and that is how I will remember her. My deepest sympathies to your family, but God must have needed her more...she was a wonderful person and friend.

Linda will truly be missed.  She opened the door in so many ways to my daughter when we found out she was deaf.  The way she touched our lives will not be forgotten.  My heartfelt condolences to her family.

The one thing that I will always remember about Linda is that every time any one run into her she always had a smile on her face  and that she was a very sweet lady .. I loved known that when ever u needed someone to talk with u could go to her and that was the same thing when it came to hugs .. I always looked at her as family she became a aunt to me over the years that I have get to spend getting to know her ..  My  thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends .. I love u lots .. U will be missed by many people who u have touched and helped over the years ..

The one thing that I will always remember about Linda is that every time any one run into her she always had a smile on her face  and that she was a very sweet lady .. I loved known that when ever u needed someone to talk with u could go to her and that was the same thing when it came to hugs .. I always looked at her as family she became a aunt to me over the years that I have get to spend getting to know her ? My  thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends .. I love u lots ? U will be missed by many people who u have touched and helped over the years ..

Dear Amy, Loredana made me aware of your mother's passing.  I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

The one thing that I will always remember about Linda is how everytime I would run into her she always had a smile on her face and she was always there for u when u needed someone to talk with or if u even needed a hug .. I'm thoughts and prayers go out to her family .. I love u Linda ? U will be missed ?

Mrs. Matthews. was a very kind woman my thoughts and prayers go out to her family . She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dear Bruce and family,
Our prayers go out to you in your sorrow.  Bruce, you and I worked side-by-side to upgrade plumbing in a cottage on Cedar Lake near Kiel.  This was a cottage my husband Todd Gerhardt and I remodeled.  At the time our sink in the bathroom was a roasting pan.  I learned how to "sweat" copper pipes and was so proud.  

I know that Linda was a special person who gave from the heart and healed many along the way.  May you find healing in her glorious memory.

Blessings to you and all,
Carol Conway-Gerhardt

My heart goes out to you Amy and your family.  May all the wonderful memories ease the hurt.  I will never forget your mom's guidance as my counselor in high school and working with her at Farnsworth when I student taught there.  

Love and prayers-
Jill (Brazzale) Rauwerdink

As a high school friend and neighbor, I am so sorry to hear about Linda's untimely passing. I truly believe she is in God's embrace in a better place. Linda always had a heart warming smile, laughter that captured your spirit and a zest for making the most of every day.  My heartfelt thoughts are with your families. Godspeed Linda. 

Betty Eckardt Donovan

My deepest sympathy goes to all of Linda'a family. She was a very dear person and a great friend of my daughter, Helen. May the Lord be with you all.

Dear Bruce, Amy, Lisa, and Laurie,
Each of you is in our thoughts and prayers today. I pray that you feel the loving arms of our Lord and Savior around you and
Comforting you now and in the days to come. We love you so very much.
John and Kay Russell

Dear Bruce,

Though it has been many years, we have thought of you and Linda often.  We are so sorry to hear of her passing.  Our prayers and condolences to you and your family.

Sorry to hear about Linda's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken & Carol Sagal -The Villages, Florida

Linda was much loved and will be greatly missed.

The Matthews and Vandriest families. Linda is at peace and free of pain. She touched many eith her smiles and compassion.May God surround you with his love. Peace be with you.
Our sincere sympathy, 
Claudette and Jude Forss

To the family of Linda Matthews,

My deepest sympathy on your loss.  I was most fortunate to have worked with Linda on many occasions as an elementary school counselor.  Many words come to mind when I think of her and all of them so positive.  Kind.  Warm.  Sweet.  Caring.  Humble.  Unique. Understanding.  Empathetic.  Thoughtful.  Real.  Gracious.  Child Centered.  Gifted Teacher.  Beautiful Person.  Special.  
She truly enhanced the lives of so many and made a difference.  That is the essence of a life well lived. Her spirit that will live on in many people and in so many ways.

Dear VanDriest family, I was so sorry to hear that Linda lost her courageous battle. Though I hadn't seen her in recent years, there are many things that come to mind when I think of Linda. In high school, I remember she was one of the kindest people I had ever known. Always pleasant, never an unkind word, such a beautiful spirit. She truly led by example and she influenced me greatly. My prayers are with you all during this sad time.

To the Linda Matthews Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.  Linda's talents as a wife, mother and teacher will be sorely missed.  While I did not know her directly, I knew of her stories, her love of life, her love of family and her courage through her brother Dick, a close personal friend.

She is cut from the VanDriest cloth and that speaks for itself.  She has undoubtedly joined her father, is at peace and is smiling on all from above.

Best regards,

Bill Parker and Leslie Parker

Dick, Teena and family,  I am so sorry to hear that Linda has lost her battle.  My deepest sympathies to your whole family.  She made many great contributions to a lot of lives.  You must be proud of her accomplishments.

Lnda was  remarkable,beautiful, and joyful
 young woman. We have known her since she was five 
years old and she attended our wedding in Germany in the blue dress which she had selected herself. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Our deepest sympathy to  her family and regretfuly cannot attemd the services.  Mickey & Otto Stewart

I am so sorry to hear of this loss to your family; I worked with Amy for several years and know how special Linda was to Amy, Blain, and Camilla. My thoughts are with all of you in this difficult time.

To Linda's family - my heart breaks when I think of her long journey waiting for a new kidney - I have kept her in my daily prayers ever since I heard about her illness. She was a lovely person and friend of my daughter Helen.  I will call Doris later today. My love and sympathy to you all. Nancy Eckardt

How sad. Linda was a former classmate and one of my favorite people. I will always remember her kindess and sweet smile.

My most deepest sympathies to all of you.  Linda was a very important person in my life and had great influence in my education and career.  She believed in me and my dreams. I would not be where I am today because of her.  

I will always remember her fun spirit when she worked with me as a child as a teacher.  Linda made me feel that my hearing loss was not a big deal and I can accomplish anything and to be proud of who I am.   

I will remember her as my counselor at North High School when she said I can attend whatever college I wanted if I put my heart and mind to it.  Now I follow in her footsteps as a teacher for students with hearing loss and I hope to have an ounce of her positive energy and leadership when working with my own students.  

She will be greatly missed.  I know she truly has impacted many, many lives and I am forever grateful for her.  She will not be forgotten, but live in all of our hearts.  

God Bless, Kristine

Linda was my church mentor and long-time family friend.  I am very sadden to hear of her passing.  I have many great memories of family get-togethers with the Matthews and send my deepest sympathies.  She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

I worked with Linda at Farnsworth many years ago.  I remember her fondly.  She made such memorable impression on me.  She was an awesome lady - always a smile and so friendly!  I really appreciate her optimistic heart and genuine kindness for all she encountered.  May God give her family and friends comfort at this time.

Thoughts Nd Prayers Go Out To Her Family .
She Was A Very Sweet Lady (:
Whenever I Seen Her She Made My Day And Put A Smile On My Face .
She Will Be Missed By Many People Who Loved Her :)

OBITUARY

Linda Matthews

31 March, 1951 – 6 March, 2012

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