After graduating from LeMoyne College in 1959, Linda moved to Livingston Manor in the Catskills of New York. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for a number of years before moving back to Syracuse. She taught at Croton School and worked on her Master’s Degree at Syracuse University. It was during that time that she met John P. Arnold, a Shell Oil employee starting up the ladder and living in the same apartment complex. Jack and Linda were married in 1968 and over the next ten years had two daughters, Veronica and Kristin, and lived in Indianapolis, New Orleans, St. Louis, and finally Shell’s Headquarters in Houston, TX.
At each stop Linda hit the ground running – locating schools, doctors, veterinarians, etc. An animal lover, over the years she also helped raise three dogs and five cats. Jack had to travel quite often and Linda was the glue that held the family together. Her many roles included Girl Scout Mom, chauffeur, nurse, counselor, and friend, not only to her own daughters, but to numerous neighborhood kids. Her active presence, guidance, and love were a constant in her family’s life.
She was a great neighbor and church member, hosting many parties and get-togethers. Linda also did lots of volunteer work. An accomplished amateur artist, she worked as a “picture lady” for an art appreciation program at the local Kingwood schools. She also designed and put together bulletin boards for the local library. Later in life she volunteered at Martha’s Kitchen, a food kitchen in Downtown Houston that provides hot meals for the hungry five days a week.
Alzheimer’s disease marred the end of her life, but Linda was able to be surrounded not only by her loved ones, but also by caring staff at Silverado in Kingwood.
Linda is survived by her husband Jack Arnold, her two daughters Veronica Arnold and Kristin Arnold Webber, and her husband John Webber, her sister Ann Fitzpatrick, and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at St, Martha's Catholic Church starting at 10:00 am. Following Mass, there will be a reception at Kingwood Funeral Home from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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