Linda Lesnick, 69, following a struggle with cancer, died December 12, surrounded by her devoted husband, Chuck and sons Matt and Brent. Linda and Chuck met in Chicago in 1979, and in less than 4 months, they were quickly committed to spending their life together. For the next 39 years, they travelled overseas and domestically, living in Chicago and the New York area, making Collierville their home 20 years ago. She was especially proud she had visited all 50 states. Born in Oelwein, IA, she attended business school and worked in the insurance industry, quickly moving from an entry level position to marketing representative. Always devoted to each other, after 12 years of marriage Linda and Chuck expanded the family with the adoption of two sons, Matt from Paraguay and Brent from Guatemala, and carefully guided both to become successful.With a servant’s heart, Linda passionately worked with the Foster Care system of Shelby County, volunteering with three Foster Care Review Boards a month with her work often recognized with service awards. Her dedication to the Child Foster Care system aided in holding the system accountable for actions. She was most proud when a child could be returned to the biological parents or a foster child was adopted into a permanent home. She also served two terms on the Collierville Design Review Commission. Never one to be idle, Linda loved gardening and spent hours working in the yard. She also crocheted blankets as gifts and always made sure the house was perfectly decorated for every holiday. She could quickly knock out puzzles, was an avid reader and baked the best chocolate cookies ever! Biking, hiking and walking 12-15 miles a week with Chuck and the dogs, especially her favorite, Canelo, the 85-lb ‘gentle giant’, also filled her time. She would go to the gym three times to lift weights and love doing “100 man-pushups” in her workout. A vibrant woman, Linda loved life and had a giving spirit. She delighted in the bouquets Chuck gave her weekly. She treasured her time spent with grand-daughter Ava, teaching her to sew, cook and garden. In addition to husband Chuck and sons Matt and Brent, all of Collierville, and granddaughter Ava Rose of Los Angeles, Linda is survived by brother Andy Johnson of Michigan City, IN sister-in-law Linda Lesnick of Seattle, niece Lauren Lesnick of Dana Point, CA and many cousins. Visitation is set for 4:30 p.m., Thursday, December 20, followed by a 6 p.m. memorial service at Collierville Funeral Home, 534 West Poplar Avenue. Contributions in Linda’s honor may be made to Royal Family Camp for Foster Children, c/o First Assembly of God Church, 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018.
