Linda Sue Weiss-Malik

Linda led a rich and accomplished life. She was a loving spouse, a warm and gentle mother and grandmother, and a caring daughter and sister. In her professional life Linda became a successful Attorney, Professor, and entrepreneur. In her personal life Linda was also an imaginative and creative artist who imbued everything around her with “sparkle and color.”

Linda’s petite frame belied her keen mind and her deep determination to achieve her goals. She received a B.S. Degree from Kent State University and, while pregnant with her first child also attained a J.D. Degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law. She passed the Indiana Bar on her first try and then, unusual for a female attorney at that time, opened a successful “solo practice” focused on family-law and on prisoner’s civil-rights litigation. Later, she taught Law as an Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University. Linda’s artistic and creative bent also led her to create a fashion line under the “Legends and Fables” label.

Linda’s personal life was marked by an unwavering commitment to her family and intense dedication to her children. She met her husband, and forever fan, Robert, while at Kent State University. They married in 1973 and together raised three innately bright and talented children. Linda recognized her children’s talents early in their lives. She made it her life’s cause to advocate for them relentlessly and opened their access to opportunities outside of mainstream education. Linda’s efforts and her caring encouragement and support of her children enabled them to flourish and to develop their own selves at their own pace.

Linda was always the first to acknowledge that her children’s accomplishments are their own. However, it was her untiring efforts that opened paths for their successes. Those efforts are Linda’s legacy to them.

Linda is survived by her husband Robert, her children: Michael, Andy and Rachael, her grandchildren: Jessara, Jaylie, Alexandra, Alora, Jack, Wesley and Ada, her mother Nancy, and her sister Gale and brother Larry.

Linda’s bright eyes full of joy, her warm smile, and her thoughtfulness and kindness will be missed by those of us who loved and knew her. She will also be remembered most fondly by the many friends with whom she enjoyed sharing her life.

Most of all, we will all remember with affection the “sparkle and color” that Linda brought with her and spilled into our lives …