Linda Jean Mackowiak

She was beauty and grace. She was happiness and smiles. Her name was Linda, and she lived her life on her terms. She was an intelligent young woman and talented artist. Born to Annie Lue Willis Milton and Jessie Lee Shorty on a warm summer day in June, she grew up in Wicker Park with her siblings, Sandra, Beverly, Andre, James, and Elizabeth. She attended Tuley High School and her best friend described her as “always happy and smiling—without any enemies.” Later Linda attended Loop College. It was in her college years that she met her would be husband, David Mackowiak. She once explained that she would walk to and from the library on Cermak and California and he’d always try to talk to her. One day she responded, and a month later, they were married. Six beautiful children came from that union—Marcella, David, Melissa, Melody, Brandon, and Asia.

She taught her kids to be strong and how to fight even when all hope was lost. She gave them strict moral codes. She supported their endeavors. She taught them that Lawrence’s had the best shrimp in Chicago. She had special relationships with each of them, but they all share the same childhood memories. There’s Friday night junk night, Friday night videos, 7-11 Slurpees after long walks, Old Country Buffet, picnics in Douglas Park by the tennis court, Lunt Street Beach, Great America mini vacations, and the Bristol Renaissance fair, among many others. She loved her daughters in law Michelle (Melody), Yanitza (Brandon), and son in law, Lovell (Melissa) as much as she loved her own children. Later in life, she adored being “Granny” by her eleven grandchildren—Samaya, London, Jacqui, Hayley, Godric, Grace, Aliyah, Kirsten, Maddie, and the twins, Journey and Jaxson.

Linda liked to have fun. She enjoyed going to Jukebox Saturday Night and The Hop, two places that she long outlived. It was always pleasant seeing her at family barbeques, usually at the grill. She loved good music, good food—especially the aforementioned Lawrence’s, and having a drink or two. It would be amiss to leave out that she loved George Michael. She almost convinced her kids that he was their father! She was ready for her next tattoo, something to match the “Shorty” that was on her left arm. Traveling was something that she enjoyed very much. Linda in the blue bikini in the Dominican Republic was a sight to behold! She was Malibu Barbie in D.C. The lights of Las Vegas seemed to give her much vigor. She never made it to Rio de Janeiro, but it’s certain that her spirit has made the journey.

Linda always had a smile for everyone. She was loved by her coworkers and many friends. She was helpful and compassionate. She had an unrivaled energy. She made everyone around her feel comfortable and welcome. It’s for these things that she will be remembered most.

Our mother and granny. Our auntie and sister. Our friend and family member. We love you very much and you’ll forever live on in each and everyone one of our hearts.

Memorial visitation for Linda will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka, Manager), 6620 West Archer Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60638. For Info. call 773-586-7900 or visit www.fidgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Mackowiak family.