Linda June Whitmore

Linda June Whitmore (nee Newell), age 76, of Denver CO, passed away peacefully on January 20th while a resident of the Order Of Eastern Star Memory Care Unit. She was surrounded by her family, including The Rev. Charles W. Whitmore, her husband of over 50 years.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her children: Charles D. Whitmore (Stacie) of Easley, SC, Thomas A. Whitmore (Jill) of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Karen J. Whitmore of Long Beach, CA. She is also lovingly remembered by her 9 grandchildren: Madeline, Jackson, Reid, David, Chris, Jake, Ellie, Zach, and Luke. They were all a source of pride for her. She cherished each of them deeply.

Born to the late Harold and June Newell in Dunkirk NY on December 17, 1947, she was the first of four girls. Her sisters: Susan (Bath, NY), Patricia (Ft. Myers, FL), and Carol (OKC, OK) survive her. She is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Linda graduated from Fredonia High School in 1965 but also had many friends from her years in Dunkirk schools. Following graduation, she attended Alfred State College. She received her Associates Degree in Medical Technology in 1967 and immediately went on to the University of Buffalo, graduating in 1969 with a BS Degree in Medical Technology. She later got her Masters Degree through Empire State College. Her first job as a medical technologist was at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk NY. It didn’t take her long to decide to expand her expertise and experience, which prompted a move to Boston to begin employment at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In September of 1970 she was introduced to Charles Whitmore, a young seminarian, who was a friend of her sister’s fiancé. Their relationship developed and they were married on August 26, 1972. Following their marriage, they returned to Philadelphia, where Chuck finished seminary. Their first call to ministry was to Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville, NY, where Chuck was ordained an Episcopal Priest and Linda began her lifelong role of “pastor’s wife”. She was a quiet, supportive presence beside him in his ministry throughout the years. Her friendly and kind nature lent itself well to adapting to the various churches to which they were called. She especially enjoyed the clergy wife gatherings – a place to share common feelings and support one another.

While in Williamsville, their first child, Charles David, was born. During that time Linda started and ran the new Bacteriology Department in the lab at the Medina Memorial Hospital. Their next call led them to St. Paul’s church in Mayville, NY. She worked at the lab in Westfield Memorial Hospital during this time. It was while they were in Mayville that Thomas Andrew was born. When not working at the hospital, Linda spent her days as mom to 2 busy boys. There was a growing desire for a daughter to complete their family. During their next pastorate at St. Paul’s in Springville, NY, plans were put in place to adopt a daughter. June 18, 1987 was from then on celebrated as “airplane day”: the day when a sweet, tiny 2 year old, Karen Jeong, arrived in the USA from South Korea and became a part of the family. Linda enjoyed working in the lab at the Concord Medical Group during that time also. Because of the smaller size of the lab, she was able to connect with the clients who came to the lab on a regular basis and often spoke of them with fondness. Her kindness was undoubtedly a comfort to them.

1988 found them at St. Mark’s Church in Orchard Park, NY. They would remain here until her husband’s retirement in 2007. They were busy years working part-time at various jobs, raising 3 children, seeing 2 of them married and beginning families of their own. Having spent their years together living in western New York near Linda’s family, they made the decision to move to Bellingham, WA after retirement to be closer to Chuck’s brothers and sister. Retirement didn’t last long for either of them as Chuck became an Asst. Rector at St. Paul’s in Bellingham and Linda once again began working in the lab at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Once she decided that she was really ready to retire she pursued a hobby that would fill many hours for her - knitting, weaving, even dying, carding, and spinning her own yarn. She spent lots of time at retreats and knitting guild meetings following her passion. She knitted hats and scarves for her grandchildren and when her son and future daughter-in-law were stationed with the Army overseas, she even began knitting “socks for soldiers”. She had 2 spinning wheels, looms, and stashes of yarn in every room and closet! In addition to yarn work, and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, she worked at the thrift shop run by the Assistance League of Bellingham and also began volunteering at the hospital where she had worked. Her life was happy and full. Unfortunately, by 2020, the beginnings of dementia were taking a toll and the decision was made to leave Bellingham and move to Denver, CO to be near family.

When her physical issues were no longer able to be safely managed at home, Linda was admitted to the Memory Care Unit at the Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus. We extend our sincere thanks to them for the loving care provided to her. Also, thank you to Namaste Hospice for their assistance with end-of-life planning and care.

There will be a memorial service at Christ Church, Denver at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Christ Church 2950 S. University Blvd. Denver, CO 80210

Linda lived her life embodying the Fruits of the Spirit - Faithfulness, Gentleness, Patience, Love, Peace, Kindness, and Joy. For this, she will be remembered.