Linda Marie Karnosh

Linda’s life was filled with service to others, devotion to family, and faith that influenced and enriched every facet of her career and calling.

Linda’s children often talk of the awe they have for her- especially now that they have children of their own. Not only did Linda “do it all” – sewed her kids’ clothing and costumes, prepared home cooked meals and baked sale cookies, canned and froze the produce she helped raise in the huge backyard garden, stayed on top of appointments, and games and recitals and rehearsals, hosted birthday parties and sleep-overs and holiday gatherings, organized family outings and vacations, and also managed several small businesses and earned her college degree along the way – but as her youngest daughter observed, she made it all look so effortless.

Linda was an exemplary mother, and a role model of faith in action to her children and to her community.

She took her Catholic faith and the call to be Jesus’ hands and feet very seriously. At various times she taught Catechism, was a Eucharist Minister, and participated with her husband Jim in the Knights of Columbus events. She and Jim helped build several homes with Habitat for Humanity and served as leaders in Stephens Ministry, which offered emergency aid to members of their local community. They also provided financial support to several children in orphanages across the globe.

Linda and Jim enjoyed serving others and they shared a number of other interests. After retirement, they spent many summers traveling in their RV and serving as work-campers and volunteers in places like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Crater Lake.

Linda loved the outdoors – from cross-country skiing with her children in Idaho to hiking with Jim and their hiking club in Arizona. Linda loved being around her family, especially her nine brothers and sisters. She loved laughing with them, loved laughing in general; could take a joke and she could be absolutely hysterical in her own right. She loved singing in the church choir, playing mah jongg (especially when she won), loved rock hounding, mariachi music, and the Native American Flute.

Above all else, Linda loved the Lord. Later in life, Linda felt called to join the Lay Order of Discalaced Carmelites, founded by St. Teresa of Avila, the order dedicated to contemplative prayer and deep personal communion with Jesus.

Linda’s deep and personal faith never shown brighter than during her battle with cancer. She often remarked that she was in total peace whether the Lord chose to heal her or to call her home.

Linda was a woman of great faith, worthy of honor, and we honor her today. Linda, you are loved and admired by your family; you were a source of inspiration and comfort to many. We take comfort now in knowing you are with the Lord who has called you home, and in knowing we will see you again.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Germaine's Pregnancy Center, 3855 Wolverine St NE, Suite A2, Salem, OR 97305.