Myrl Beck July 9, 2011

Hi, Linda: Last night and this morning they held the annual Relay for Life. I got up early and walked a few laps. There were quite a few luminaria dedicated to you, from several different sources. A few were still burning. I had intended to make a donation to the American Cancer Society, but their booth was closed - so I'll give it to Fred Hutch instead. 

God, how I miss you this morning!

Myrl

Bunny Schneider July 24, 2011

So here we all are - the last 'good-bye'. Until the next 'Hello', somewhere, sometime unknown. I imagine Linda collecting her favorite colors from the Universe, lovingly wrapping them around new and old friends. Still creating love in her own way. They say we leave this life when our work is done. I don't know what Linda's 'work' was to accomplish, it doesn't matter. But I do know, good job, well done Linda! Bon Voyage! Happy Journey! Until we meet again...

Raelyn Joyce July 25, 2011

Raelyn Joyce Jun 25, 2011 at 7:56:04 PM I feel deep gratitude for having had Linda as my sister-in-law. I'm reminded of her everywhere I look in my home, for as Kristin Beck pointed out, she loved gift-giving and finding just the right gift for someone. The earrings I wore two days ago, the gourd calendar I checked this morning, the soft woven set of baskets from small to large from Mexico, the handsome fabric bag I take on trips, and the elegant but slightly worn quilted runner on our dining table came from Linda (and Myrl). She made our three young grandsons small, brightly colored quilts that they cuddle with every night. Richard, her brother, and I first visited her when she was living in San Mateo, California, and we visited her, later with our young children, in almost every place she lived in after that, following her to Bellingham, Washington, where she made her home with Myrl. She was always welcoming and hospitable, and treated us with what Myrl described as her characteristic "unfailing kindness." The last time I saw her was last December, after Richard and I spent a wonderful Christmas with her and Myrl. She was feeling relatively well and was enjoying food again then. The soft, warm, tight embrace she gave when we said goodbye I remember and cherish!  At her mother's memorial service in Kalamazoo, Linda, speaking about her mom, said that her mom taught her children the Golden Rule. Linda, as well as any person I know, lived the Golden Rule. Thank you, Myrl and Carolyn, for your devoted. loving care of Linda, especially when we couldn't be there to help.

Sue Broadhurst July 27, 2011

I miss her terribly. She made two gorgeous quilts for my kids and they are in my room b/c I can't help stare at them... forever. Linda helped me when I was a new grad, and landed my first job at St. Joe's. We became friends over books, laughs, meals, walks and women's group. She is wonderful and will live in me as I strive to be as kind, gentle, persistent, strong, and artistic as she was! Myrl is right, the earth is a darker place now without her.

Olivia Kelly August 5, 2011

My grandma was a truly wonderful woman. The world would be a much happier place if there were more people like her! I can't imagine that she was ever disliked by anyone that knew her. I was sad I wasn't able to come down for her celebration but I am thankful I was able to see her in March, though it was brief. My
memories of her are all happy ones and I know I'll always cherish them. I've been wearing the Ankh bracelet and one of her rings that my mom and sister brought back. I think of her every time I look at them and am reminded of her selflessness and kind attitude so that I will work to strengthen those qualities in my own life. She was incredibly strong, never complaining or feeling sorry for herself; it was inspiring to be around her. She is a
great role model!
I love you Grandma and I'll miss discussing the latest gossip while conquering tricky puzzles with you! You left only a positive mark on the hearts you've touched and we are all thankful for it.

-Livy

Marsha Strayer July 21 2011

Among my most treasured memories from working at Fourth Corner Quilts are the wonderful friends I met there. Through working with Florence on Saturdays, I was honored to get to know her dear friend, Linda. While we spent only short periods of time together, I grew to love and respect Linda and to admire her for her many talents, engaging and fun-loving personality, soulfulness and inspiring bravery. Like Myrl, I recently participated in my new hometown's Relay for Life here in Orange County, CA, which included a donation to cancer research and luminary in her memory. Just my own small way of reminding Linda, Myrl, Carolyn and all Linda's family and friends that she is loved and missed by people most of them scarcely knew. As family and friends gather this weekend in celebration of Linda's rich life, my thoughts are of Linda and each of you -- fond memories of this special lady are long-lasting and far-reaching.

Florence DiJulio July 23, 2011

In working to add photographs and captions to Linda's "Quilting Legacy" album, I began to reflect on her personal legacy: her capacity for friendship. She accepted us for who we are. She was empathic and had a way of being with others that made us feel valued, cared for, and respected. She shared freely of herself. She was kind. She possessed a wisdom far beyond her years. I could count on her to tell me what I needed to hear. And, sometimes I actually sought out her opinion for that very reason! Linda had a refinement to her; she was always polite and well-spoken. How do I encapsulate over 20 years of friendship? Not easily. We shared a love of quilting, travel, our respective hospital careers, reading, an occasional movie, and more. These interests led to retreats, the 2002 quilt tour to Amish country in Pennsylvania, quilt shop hops, guild activities, margueritas at El Gitano after a particularly difficult day at work, and visits to Borrego Springs where she showed me the camel teeth she found in Anza Borrego Desert State Park (still in situ, of course). I cherish the memories of our times together. She is greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to Myrl, Carolyn, the extended family and all her other friends.