Linda is the "L" in the presence* user name. She was the mother of my good friend, Lindsey, who is a member of the Horn Studio at Kent State University. Linda was a remarkable woman, whom I consider myself blessed to have known. She passed away Wednesday, at the age of 50, after a decade-long fight with ovarian cancer. She is a true inspiration to myself, and so many others. Please remember her family - husband Gary, daughter Lindsey, and son James - in your thoughts or prayers as you see appropriate. Thank you. <3
Linda Williams dedicated her life to helping others
By Jewell Cardwell
Published: May 31, 2012 - 11:09 PM
Beacon Journal staff writer
Linda Williams played many wonderful roles in her life, which ended Wednesday following a long and valiant battle with ovarian cancer. She was 50.
The most important were as wife to Gary and mother to James and Lindsey. “So we weren’t surprised that she somehow managed, as she had wanted, to stay alive long enough for school to be over, so James wouldn’t have to deal with any more than he has to,” longtime friend Eileen Freeze said. “She made it.
“When she was diagnosed nine years ago, she threw herself into an all-out attack on the disease. She learned all she could about the disease with enthusiasm and positivity. She mentored others with the disease, sharing information and supplies. She even appeared in a television ad for University Hospital.”
After such a weighty diagnosis, Mrs. Williams could have easily decided to concentrate on her family. She did that, but she still made time for others.
“Her civic service began early,” Freeze said. “While still in high school she began donating blood to the Red Cross regularly. In the early ’90s, she donated blood specifically for a friend’s mother who was losing her battle with, ironically, ovarian cancer.
“Linda fought her disease with strength and grace, never complaining. Unless you knew her well, you would never [have] suspected that she was in this battle. She was cheerful, witty, generous and proud of her family.”
Mrs. Williams was a strong supporter of Springfield Schools, “serving on levy committees, sponsoring fundraisers, belonging to the parent-teachers group, organizing Easter egg hunts, being a room mother, serving in any capacity. She even helped pack up and move teachers who were moving when schools closed and people were relocated.
“Both of her children are Springfield band kids, Lindsey a graduate and James an upcoming freshman. As a band parent, Linda volunteered hours in the weekly bingo fundraisers, often working a three- or four-hour shift while driving home from a chemo treatment in Cleveland. She chaperoned band trips and was a band camp parent chaperone for four years. During football season she could be found manning the band’s concession stand or carrying the cotton candy pole through the stands. The annual Turkey Festival provided additional opportunities to serve and support.”
She worked 32 years at Becker Pumps Corp. in Cuyahoga Falls, where she was the purchasing manager.
Linda Williams also was a collector. Described as an enthusiastic yard sale aficionado and flea marketer, she was forever on the search for Christmas decorations, antique and retro ornaments.
Over the last eight years, Mrs. Williams and her family decorated at least 15 Christmas trees in their home and invited all who would come in to see the “Williams Wonderland.”
Linda Williams played many wonderful roles in her life, which ended Wednesday following a long and valiant battle with ovarian cancer. She was 50.
The most important were as wife to Gary and mother to James and Lindsey. “So we weren’t surprised that she somehow managed, as she had wanted, to stay alive long enough for school to be over, so James wouldn’t have to deal with any more than he has to,” longtime friend Eileen Freeze said. “She made it.
“When she was diagnosed nine years ago, she threw herself into an all-out attack on the disease. She learned all she could about the disease with enthusiasm and positivity. She mentored others with the disease, sharing information and supplies. She even appeared in a television ad for University Hospital.”
After such a weighty diagnosis, Mrs. Williams could have easily decided to concentrate on her family. She did that, but she still made time for others.
“Her civic service began early,” Freeze said. “While still in high school she began donating blood to the Red Cross regularly. In the early ’90s, she donated blood specifically for a friend’s mother who was losing her battle with, ironically, ovarian cancer.
“Linda fought her disease with strength and grace, never complaining. Unless you knew her well, you would never [have] suspected that she was in this battle. She was cheerful, witty, generous and proud of her family.”
Mrs. Williams was a strong supporter of Springfield Schools, “serving on levy committees, sponsoring fundraisers, belonging to the parent-teachers group, organizing Easter egg hunts, being a room mother, serving in any capacity. She even helped pack up and move teachers who were moving when schools closed and people were relocated.
“Both of her children are Springfield band kids, Lindsey a graduate and James an upcoming freshman. As a band parent, Linda volunteered hours in the weekly bingo fundraisers, often working a three- or four-hour shift while driving home from a chemo treatment in Cleveland. She chaperoned band trips and was a band camp parent chaperone for four years. During football season she could be found manning the band’s concession stand or carrying the cotton candy pole through the stands. The annual Turkey Festival provided additional opportunities to serve and support.”
She worked 32 years at Becker Pumps Corp. in Cuyahoga Falls, where she was the purchasing manager.
Linda Williams also was a collector. Described as an enthusiastic yard sale aficionado and flea marketer, she was forever on the search for Christmas decorations, antique and retro ornaments.
Over the last eight years, Mrs. Williams and her family decorated at least 15 Christmas trees in their home and invited all who would come in to see the “Williams Wonderland.”
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