It’s pretty rare to find a kindred spirit in your mother-in-law.  

In the twenty-six years that I knew Linda, who was an Alabama grad, we traveled together across thirty-eight states, fifteen major league baseball stadiums, eight Canadian provinces, seven countries, six aquariums, and four continents. Oh, and we watched six Tennessee-Alabama football games on television.  Finally, we worked in the same industry.

Well, Linda and I may have shared a professional interest, but we did not share a favorite college football team.   Needless to say, unfortunately she enjoyed the Vols-Tide games much more than I did in recent years.  What made her an unusual Alabama fan was that she actually cheered for Tennessee and even Auburn as long as they weren’t playing her Crimson Tide.

So many good memories of a life well-lived.  The memories live on, as do her descendants: daughters Beckie and Valerie, and grandkids Jeremy, Andrew, Sarah, and Josh.  For all the fun times, trips, aquariums, and ballgames, by far the most important legacy she leaves for me is the daughter she raised, who would become my wife twenty-five years ago this summer.  

Linda lives on through us.  When we saw her the last time in the hospital, Sarah said, “Goodbye forever, Grandma.” I told Sarah we will see her again. We don’t say “goodbye.”  We just say “goodnight.”

“A limb has fallen from the family tree.  I keep hearing a voice that says, ‘Grieve not for me.’
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived when I was strong.
Continue my heritage. I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease. My soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue tradition no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.”


I first met Beckie in the same singles group where we both met our husbands. It wasn't long before the two of us discovered a common interest in the TV show Melrose Place; and, together with another group member, began watching together on Melrose Mondays, rotating between our 3 homes. Linda became part of these gatherings when it was Beckie's turn to host. She was such a gracious hostess, opening her home and sharing dinner with us. When several members of the group helped them move to a new apartment, she made dinner for us in gratitude. When Beckie and Kelly were engaged, I hosted a bridal shower at my apartment, and Linda was so kind in her comments about the food and decorations. As the keeper of the guest book at their wedding, Linda invited me to the bridesmaids' luncheon. And when my husband and I were married 3 years later, Linda was there to help us celebrate. She had the unusual gift of making others feel comfortable and valued, and genuinely enjoyed getting to know them. She tried to stay out of the spotlight; but her kindness made people who felt it notice her just the same. My prayers are with those who loved her and will miss her the most.

How can I "share a memory" of Linda when there are so many?  We met her through the Tyner Travelers group and took a total of three trips with her. She was a pleasant, intelligent addition to our group.   I'll never forget sharing a Salzburger Nockerl with her in Salzburg, Austria! I was saddened to hear of her passing and will be keeping the family in my prayers in the months to come.  

To Linda's family, I am so sorry to learn of Linda's death.  She was a colleague of mine at Provident years ago, as well as a friend.  Linda was part of a small lunch group, and we had many fun outings together.  She was very intelligent and quite witty, and she loved her family beyond measure.  She spoke of her two beautiful daughters and grandchildren often with great pride and affection. You are all  in my thoughts at this sad time.

OBITUARY

Linda Snow Anderson

January 1, 1940 – August 7, 2021

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Brainerd Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services