

Linda was born on January 17, 1953, in Albion, Michigan, to Thomas and Helen (Sparks) Woods. She graduated from Albion High School in 1971.
On October 23, 1971, Linda married the love of her life, Jeffery Waid. For 54 years they shared a marriage built on faith, loyalty, and unwavering love. She was a devoted wife who stood faithfully beside Jeff through every joy and every challenge.
Linda was a loving and dedicated mother to her two daughters, Tenisha Waid-Deigert and Janelle (David) McKinney. She raised them with guidance, support, and a deep love that shaped their lives in lasting ways. To her daughters, she was not only a mother but also a confidante, role model, and constant source of strength.
Her greatest joy came as a grandmother to four cherished grandchildren: Michaela Deigert, Seth Deigert, Parker McKinney, and Connor McKinney. She was also blessed with a precious great-granddaughter, Laiklynn, with another great-granddaughter, Kollyns, expected soon. Linda treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and loved celebrating their milestones.
She grew up surrounded by the love of her siblings, including her late brother Russell Woods, her sister Barbara (Ronnie) Sanders, and her brother Rodney Woods. She also shared a special bond with her father-in-law, Edwin “Dave” Waid.
Linda enjoyed spending vacations in Florida with her family, where she loved the sunshine and the peaceful rhythm of the ocean waves. She also cherished the special time she and Jeff spent together in Middlebury, Indiana, where they enjoyed shopping, dining, and simply being together. Those trips became treasured traditions and lasting memories.
Linda dedicated 42 years of service to Oaklawn Hospital, including 18 years in the oncology department. Her compassion and kindness touched the lives of countless patients and families. For Linda, caring for others was more than a profession ~ it was a reflection of her generous heart.
She was a member of Christ Apostolic Church in Albion, where she valued the friendships and fellowship she shared. Her faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life.
Linda faced life’s challenges with remarkable strength. After bravely battling colon cancer, she celebrated 27 years of remission. More recently, she faced glioblastoma with the same grace, courage, and quiet determination that defined her life.
Linda is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Woods; her brother, Russell Woods; and her mother-in-law, Delores Waid.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Linda’s niece, Alissa (Sanders) Lorenz. The care she gave to her “Aunt Lynn” in her final days was an act of pure love. Alissa provided physical support, emotional warmth, gentle reassurance, and a steady presence that brought Linda peace. She treated Linda with dignity, tenderness, and offered comfort in moments when it mattered most. We will forever be grateful for the compassion she showed and the love she shared so generously.
A visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026, at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr. Albion, MI from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place Monday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Apostolic Church, 501 N. Superior St., Albion, Michigan, with parking and entrance at the rear of the church. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
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