Linda Edith Crosby

Linda was born and raised in Piscataway, NJ, where she first met her husband to be, Paul Crosby, Jr., while in high school. Linda attended Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing after high school, where she earned her RN. Linda was a loving and loyal wife to Paul since they married on October 3, 1964. Together they raised five children, settling in Sussex County, NJ, in 1977. Linda worked as an RN for 50 years before retiring at 72 years old, working in many fields including ICU, rehabilitation and med/surg. She worked while raising her children, displaying tireless devotion to both her family and career.

Linda was a 4-H leader when her children were young, starting The Breeders and Feeders Rabbit Club in the early 1980's and spending her vacations from work with her children at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in the summer showing rabbits. Linda was a life-long learner, taking college courses throughout her life and earning a nurse paralegal degree later in her career. She was also a voracious book reader with interests in a variety of subjects; spirituality being one subject of high importance in her life. Linda was a woman of strong faith and a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Newton, NJ. She also loved gardening and knitting, and in recent years, she attended knitting club meetings at the Sussex County Library in Branchville, NJ. Linda was a loving and devoted mother, fostering each of her children's interests individually as they grew. As her daughter wrote to her mom in her retirement, "You have been the fierce and tireless protector of souls; the kind and patient teacher of hearts." Everyone that knew Linda loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Paul Eben Crosby, Jr.; her five children and their spouses, Kim Enowitch and her husband, Jim, Jackie Crosby, Kathleen Seward, Paul Eben Crosby III and his wife, Penny, and Richard Crosby and his wife, Lynett. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each of whom Linda was known to gush about their particular strengths and abilities.

Linda's death is a deep and profound loss beyond what words can say for her family. Her family wishes to thank the kind and compassionate staff of Overlook Hospital who provided exceptional end of life care. As a chaplain of the hospital said, "Mothers are the living God." Linda will remain in her family's hearts forever.

Linda had a generous heart and supported many charities. In lieu of a memorial service, donations to Market Street Mission, 9 Market Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 would be welcomed.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ.