Whenever I think of my Aunt Linda, I always picture her smiling and laughing.  That seems like what we all would do whenever the extended family got together.  She and the entire Gude family would come to visit us in PA during the summer, and we would stay up late, either around a kitchen table or in Nana's living room, and Aunt Linda and my mom would tell stories from their childhood, cracking themselves up.  I couldn't help but smile and laugh with them.
Aunt Linda raised her four children to be kind, thoughtful adults, which I think is proof of the kind of generous, loving person she was.  I am so proud of my cousins, they are wonderful people, but it's no surprise.  They had a great mom.

Dear Mom,

Do you remember that one time I called you at 4 in the morning scared senseless?  Remember how I was panicking on the phone about how I thought someone was trying to break in due to the terrible growls and howls my orange cat Geezer was making and the percussive shutting of my cabinet drawers?  You came over at a moment's notice and held me and told me we were going to buy some door stoppers and get an old metal baseball bat from our house for protection.  I found out a few days later that all the noises Geez was making came from a stray cat batting at him from outside on my patio late at night.  I felt kind of foolish at the time, but now that I think about it, you were like my protector even when there wasn't an emergency.  You always were and I love you for that and many other things.  

Continuing on in your honor,

Roger

Linda I loved you so much,and miss you
Its hard to live life without you. I remember one of the first times you came to visit me in New Jersey, I thought that you were so brave; you hopped on a train from Harrisburg to phili-then to Newark. I remmember when I came to Hershey and you were working
at the animal garden at Hershey-park and you were carring those 50lb bags of
animal feed. I said thats the girl for me. I was so blessed by you loving me,
and giving me four beautiful children
and such a happy life. I love you Peter

Dear Gude Family,
1978... Pete and his young bride Linda are talked into moving to Evansville IN to help rebuild the University of Evansville radio station, WUEV-FM.  How Pete convinced Linda to leave Pennsylvania is beyond me but I will always be grateful that they did, and for the many years of friendship they gave to me.  During some crazy times, Linda kept us grounded, on a straight track and nourished by her great sense of humor and good cooking.   Pete and kids, I am very sorry for your loss.  Please remember the good times.
Your good friend, Wayne

Dear Pete,Alex,Roger,Laura,&Gwen,
I'm thinking of you today, what would have been Linda's 55th birthday.She was a kind & loving soul touching many lives during her short journey here.
Linda was the first friend I made in Evansville over 30 years ago. I shared lots of laughs and have many fond memories of a young,"20 something,"
Linda. I'm very sorry for your loss.
She will be missed terribly, but always remembered lovingly.

Although I only had the opportunity to know Linda for a very short time, she was a very kind person who loved her family very much.  My deepest sympathy is extended to the Gude Family.

My sister Linda was the strongest, most courageous, caring person I know.  She tried to protect those who she cared about right up to the end. 
Linda had the most contagious laugh.  We laughed whenever we were together or talked on the phone.  She could even make me laugh when I read her emails.  She often ended a sentence with "ha!".  That cracked me up every time.  I will miss everything about her but especially her laugh.

To the entire Gude family,  I was a classmate of Linda's and although we did not stay in touch over the years, there will always be a special connection. I was very touched by the many heartfelt entries. I send you all my most supportive thoughts and prayers.  Carl Iba, Harrisburg  (Class of 74)

I remember one time Gwen, Laura, and I were playing Phase 10 out in in the dining room late one night. We were being really loud. Linda stuck her head out around the corner and yelled "Hey! SHUT UP!" We were all slap happy so when she said that we all just laughed. I'll always remember that time for some reason. There are so many good memories of Linda and the family that I'm so glad I got to be a part of. I am going to miss her a lot.

Dear Mom,
I love you so much.  I am going to miss you more than I have ever missed anyone in my life.  The last few days have been the most difficult of my life.  I hope I never again have to watch someone so sweet, so angelic, so perfect, disappear from this world.  I know you already know this, but I would have done anything to have saved you.  I still would.  

I tried to do the best that I could for you in the end.  I hope that you weren’t suffering.  I hope that you weren’t scared.  I hope that I did the right things for you.  You were so strong, so brave, and so unbelievably sweet.  I hope my words provided you with some comfort.  I hope that my presence did too.

I do not understand why you were taken from us.  I hope that one day I will. I feel like a part of me has left with you, never to return.  The world isn’t as bright now – one of its shining stars is gone.
 
In some ways, I wish I knew more about what was going on with you in these past months.  I knew that you were getting sicker, and that the chemo wasn’t working, but I thought that they would just switch you to another one and then you would be fine.  I think I may have deluded myself.  I know you didn’t tell me everything because you were trying to protect me.  I am thankful for that, but at the same time, I wish I somehow still knew.  Even in the end, you were still more worried about me than you were about yourself.  I do not know how I would handle being in your situation.  You were so dignified, and SO tough!  And, somehow, you were still funny, still in generally good spirits.  To put it simply – you were the best. 

I know that you have gone to a better place.  I can only imagine how wonderful it must be for you.  I hope you are with Pop Pop now, and that you are also with our other brother / sister that never made it to this earth.  I can’t even imagine what Heaven must be like, but I know that it has to be a great place because you are there.

I know that you loved me, and that you knew how much I loved you, but I still wish I could tell you again and again.  You were the world to me Mom.  You were my confidant and my friend.  I will miss talking to you so much.  I hope I am strong enough to make it without you.

I wish I could hear your voice again.  And your laugh – I loved your laugh.  And I loved making you laugh.  I hate that I will never hear your laugh again. I also hate that you will never get to meet your grandchildren.  I wanted my kids to know the wonderful lady who made me who I am.  I will be sure to tell them all about you!  I know that you will be in their hearts, as you are in mine.

I want to name my first daughter Ellen, after you.  I hope that is ok.
  
Remember when you cut that tree down with a hand axe by yourself?   Recently we had some guys come to the house to cut down another dead tree.  It took five guys with chainsaws to do what you did with sheer determination and will power.  You are amazing.  I hope that I can be as tough as you.

You are the best mother that anyone could ever have wanted.  You taught me to be me.  You showed me how to think critically, taught me my morals and values, and gave me courage to be myself.    You also taught me so many practical things – how to cook, take care of myself, and be independent.  You taught me that it was ok to be stubborn sometimes – even if it meant that I went against the grain.  You taught me to be strong, and to forge my own path.  You taught me to live, to laugh, and the importance of family.  You taught me to love.

You made our family a family.  It was so obvious to me how important family was to you.  You taught me how to be a parent.  I love the life that you made for us.  Thank you for making our house such a great place for us to hang out.  Thank you for making me, and all of my friends, always feel welcome.  I want to have a house that is as inviting as you made ours.
  
I hope that I made you proud.  And I hope that I continue to make you proud.  You made me proud. 
 
I will do my best to look after the family now that you are gone.  I know that it is not only my responsibility, but I think that it is the least I could do for you, and for them.  You did so much for us Mom.  Thank you for everything.  I will do my best to continue your legacy – and to teach the rest of our family to do the same.  
 
I will miss you so much Mom.  Even though I can’t hear your voice anymore, I will still look to you for guidance.  I will still think about you all the time.  I will still talk to you, and still write to you.  I will always love you.  You will always be in my heart.  Rest in Peace Mom.  

Your loving son

Linda was a very goo mother and she will be missed dearly.
-Whitney Rice

Dear Gude Family --

I only knew Linda in high school as more of an acquaintance friend.  I remember her quietness.  Thank you for sharing her slideshow of pictures.  It looks like she had the best in life with a loving family! I am sorry for your loss!

Judy,
    I am so sorry for your loss.  I remember her and some of the pictures were priceless.  I can't believe we have both experienced the pain of losing our sisters at the exact same age.  My prayers are with you and your family.  
Dee Dunn Loney

Mrs. Williamson,
My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. I have such fond memories of being at your house as a child and listening to Linda practice piano. She always knew how to make me laugh. There was a great deal of laughter around your girls, and Linda introduced me to your cinnamon/sugar pie crust strips and cable TV. Linda was such a kind and warm person, and I know she will be sorely missed by anyone who knew her. May God richly bless you and your family with many happy memories to sustain you in the hard times ahead.

On behalf of the Hershey High School Class of 1974, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Linda. She was an integral part of our class and will be missed.

Alex and the Gude family -
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a warm and loving mother and a gracious and selfless hostess to the North High School Debate Team. I will always cherish the memories I have at your home. My prayers are with you all.

Mr. Gude,
I am so sorry for your lose. I know this is a most difficult moment in your life. I know Linda was a great part of your life and you seemed very dedicated to Linda and the family. I am Suzi Jarvis's college friend, Mary Hite. You graciously allowed me to interview you for my English Class project. I was so nervous about interviewing someone I did not know and had never met. You made me feel at ease right at the start. I enjoyed the interview. I could sit and talk with you for hours. You were very pleasant to talk to. I could tell from the interview that you are a vert dedicated and caring person and that your family means everything to you. That is awesome. My family is close knit as well and I understand how it is when one is no longer with us. I am truly very sorry for your lose and if there is anything at all that I can do to help you or your family, please do not hesitate to ask. I have been blessed just to know you and I cannot begin to communicate how much I apppreciate knowing that there are good people in the world today like you. God bless you and your family and may God be at your side helping through this most difficult time in your life. God bless and be with you and your family!
Mary Hite

You raised all of your children to be good-hearted, sweet and fun.  I feel so fortunate to have Alex as a husband and to be a part of your family.  Your children all have a little bit of entertainer/comedian in them, so a lot of our time was spent laughing at their stories or antics.

I have so many good memories of time spent at your house and on vacations.  I was also always impressed with how strong and independent you are.  You are a beautiful person, and I will miss you so much.

Pete and family, I am so sorry to here of your lose. I know that Linda was the center of your family unit and will be greatly missed. Please let me knowif there is anything I can do for you in this time of sorrow. 
Sincerly,

Linda Gude always made my friends and me feel welcome in her home.  She was kind, generous, and (I realize this as an adult) so very patient with us.  My happiest memories of high school are from time spent in the Gude house, and I'm sure many others feel the same way.  Alex and family, I'm so sorry.  You will be in my prayers.

Dear Gude Family,
Linda was an amazing, impressive woman who seemed capable of anything.  She was so welcoming and generous, your house was always available for us to come and spend time at.  No matter the long hours, often late, or the amount of food we ate.  To this day, every time I see someone's collection of books, I remember all the bookshelves filled with books (often two deep!) at your house... and that she read all of them!  I am so very sorry for your loss.

I'm sure she would not remember me, but I remember going over to the Gude home multiple times in high school and thinking "man, Alex's mom is so cool". She was very inviting of all of her children's friends into her home, I remember there were always tons of people there and she didn't seem to mind at all. 

I know how awful it feels to lose a mother, and I'm sorry Alex that you and your siblings have to experience it, too. Your mom will watch over you all and your future children. She's definitely left a beautiful legacy behind in you 4 kids. 

Thoughts and prayers to you all.

As our two families have joined through the love of Andi Gayle and Alex, it has been wonderful getting to know the whole Gude family.  We've shared many good times, and we'll always remember the fun we had together.  Linda always made us feel very welcome in her home.  She had a great sense of humor, and we loved her laugh!  Peter and Linda have four great kids which is a tribute to both of them.  Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  We love you all!

I love you mom. You are so strong and loving. I miss you so much already. I can't even explain how much you mean to me. You raised all of us well. I will never forget all of the good laughs and memories we had together. Thank you so much for what you have done for me, I couldn't have asked for a better mother. You are my angel in heaven now. I love you so much.

I am so sad to hear about Linda's passing. I have been a friend of her daughter Laura for many years and have had many good memories with Linda and her family. She always opened her home so lovingly, and I'll never forget her generosity or warm smile. My heart is aching for the Gude family. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the wonderful memories, and know that heaven has another beautiful angel.

Dear Gude Family,
I sorrow with you in the loss of your mom/wife.  Being in your home when Alex was a debater made me realize how much Linda valued her children and family.  I am grateful for the time I had with her - to see up close such love and devotion. I pray that God comforts you and gives you strength to live out beautifully the effects of the profound investment she made in each of you.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I am so grateful for my Aunt Linda.  She did more for me than anyone probably knows.  I still have some of the items from care packages she sent me on deployments, and I have all of her letters and cards.  She was always a fantastic aunt, but our correspondence during tough times offered immeasurable support for which words cannot express my gratitude.  My only regret is that we lived so far apart.  To everyone else whose life Linda touched, I offer my deepest sympathy.

   Linda was a great sister and all around good person. We had a lot of fun growing up together. She lived a good life,her spirit will carry on in her family so a part of her will always be here.

Linda Gude was a wonderful woman.  As a close friend of her daughter Laura I have witnessed first hand how she has showcased her love for all of her children.  She never missed a game when Laura was cheering and frequently took us to and from our practices.  She prided herself on being an involved, hands-on mom and that she was.  She has left a void in many hearts that can never be filled and left memories that will always be cherished.  A truly good woman that will be missed.  Heaven is a better place now.

I love you mom. I can't even explain how much I love you. You did everything for me and our family. You are the strongest person I know. I am so thankful for everything you have done, for everything you have taught me, for every way that you have loved me. I wish I could see your face again. I wish I could hug you and tell you I love you. I miss you more than anything. I know you will be watching over me and our family. I will think of you everyday. I will talk to you everyday. You are a part of me that will always remain. I love you. I miss you always. Until we reunite again.

Linda and I maintained a long distance relationship via email, and before that USPS. It has always been evident the number one focus of her life was Peter and the four kids. We swapped little kid stories and then teenage kid stories and then young adult stories. No mom was ever prouder of her kids than Linda is of hers. And for good reason, they are lovely, decent and loving people. Linda's greatest legacy is adding so much love to the world  with her kids to carry on, spreading the seeds of love she has planted in them so they grow on and on.I am going to miss how she called me, "Patty-Tootskie" and how she giggled at my goofy, and often sarcastic remarks. Peter, Alex, Roger, Laura and Gwen, I am so sorry for your loss but so proud of my sister and the gift she has left behind.

Linda was such a lovely woman. She opened her home to me when I was Alex's debate partner, fed me many dinners and lent me more than a few good books. Gude Family, I am truly sorry for your loss.

I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Gude family.  When I see a library of books I think of all of the books your mom had in the kitchen bookshelf at your house and she said that she had read them all, probably all more than once!

I love you mom.  I miss you so much.  Thank you so much for everything that you did for me.  You made me who I am today.  You were, and are, an angel.

I know you are watching over us now, and that you are in a better place.  You will always be in my heart.

I love you mom, and I miss you so much.  You were an angel on earth.  Now, you are with the angels.  You will always be in my heart.  

The website for condolences is www.alexandernorthchapel.com.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Linda E. Williamson Gude

2 octobre 1956 – 4 septembre 2011

Alexander Funeral Home - North Chapel

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