Linda Lee Cardosi Waschka, 89, of Southlake, Texas, passed away on October 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 23, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to William Joseph and Mary Lou Cardosi.
Linda was preceded in death by her beloved son, Philip Michael Waschka; her brother, William Joseph “Joe” Cardosi II; her sister, Gloria Cardosi Linder; and other family members, including several Cardosi cousins who were like siblings to her.
Linda met the love of her life, Rodney Waschka, at a dance in “the cafetorium,” also known as the basement, at Saint Thomas Academy. Together, they built a life centered on family, founded several successful businesses, and never stopped dancing.
Known for her kindness and grace, impeccable style, Italian cooking, and willingness to face any challenge, Linda had a keen mind and a deep love of music and movies. Educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame, she was a voracious reader whose curiosity stayed with her throughout her life.
Linda and Rodney moved to Euless, Texas, in 1966. Three years later, they launched their first business from the living room of their home. Linda answered the phones, kept the books, and played traffic cop to their five children, all of whom meant more to her than anything — until her grandchildren arrived.
Her generous spirit grew from a deep and abiding Catholic faith. Linda organized neighborhood March of Dimes drives and, as a breast cancer survivor, offered encouragement and support to those newly diagnosed at the Komen Center in Dallas. She was also a lifelong patron of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her love of gardening led her to spend countless hours “digging in the dirt” at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where she later studied and became a Master Gardener.
Linda was one of three close-knit sisters and is survived by her sister, Angela Cardosi Blumenthal (Morris) of Dallas. Linda and Rodney traveled the world with her sisters and cousins, treasuring the memories they made together. She came from a large extended family and held a special place in her heart for her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Rodney; her children, Rodney Waschka II, Lisa Waschka, Paul Waschka, and Roman Waschka; and their spouses, Alexandra Kurepa, Angela Luecht, and Meleia Waschka. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Andre Waschka, Lana Waschka, and Carly Roulet; their spouses, Amy Wilson, Chad Guthrie, and Greyson Roulet; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella and Oliver Waschka.
Linda’s faith and devotion to her family shaped the way she lived. She expressed both through the care she gave, the challenges she met with courage, and the steady presence she offered to those she loved.
Visitation is Friday, November 6, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with Rosary at 7:30 pm, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass is Saturday, November 7, at 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Community, with a Committal Service to follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
