We are sorry to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Linda Schug Waalkens on April 6, 2019. She leaves behind many who loved her: Her husband Hank and four daughters, and her sister Nancy, and all the friends she made in her life. She always felt fortunate to have such a large family. Her compassion and heart was felt by all those that loved her and she will be missed.
Her biggest passion was her always her family. Her love for her four daughters was unwavering; no matter how much she was tested. And boy was she tested! There was the fighting as only sisters could do, and yet, she kept her cool. I think, “Turn down that music” was part of her daily repertoire. One of the stories she loved to remember was when Barbara thought she would get away with denting the bumper on the family station wagon by bribing Ruth with candy. It was pointless, she saw it. Moving away from California and Debbie and Barbara was one of her biggest regrets. But, through all the moves she was a source of strength and got us through. In fact, if it hadn’t been for our special Mom and daughter escapades, I would have never gotten past moving away from my older sisters. She hated for us to be separated, but she always encouraged us to live our lives and she always understood when we couldn’t be there. She loved spending time with each of us and the families we created. When she had all four girls together, it was always special to her. The last was just weeks before being diagnosed with cancer. We spent a weekend on the beach in Oceanside, just being together, which was her favorite thing. It never mattered where we were, being together was always great.
It’s strange, the things you remember. It’s hard to choose one special memory to share, there are so many, but there is one that stands out. A few years ago she came to visit me in Indiana. My oldest, Zachary, came with her: he was her blocker through the airport. We spent a few days in Indianapolis seeing the sights. The four of us went to this crazy restaurant and bar where they make fun of you. Mom, of course, was the life of the party. She was also the, “bingo hall booty call”. We also managed to almost sink a paddle boat in the canal. I wish I had pictures, but it is hard to take pictures when you’re laughing while paddling for dear life in the four feet deep canal. She also got to meet her great-grandson Robert. I could go on for hours talking about the things that Mom was to me: my love for food (eating, not cooking), getting me through growing pains and broken hearts, teaching me how to be a mom, and to smile and be strong even when I didn’t think I could. But she never taught me how to live without her.
She always loved to travel. I love the story of her trip to Alaska. She took a helicopter to a glacier and while walking along, admiring the beauty around her, she sunk. She laughed so hard she couldn’t manage to get out of the hole. It took the pilot to get her free. I wish I had been there to see that. There were many places she and Hank travelled to around Europe. I know she loved the adventures. Let’s not forget the frequent weekend getaways with the bridge girls. How they managed to play bridge that long is beyond me, but she loved it. I know her presence at the table will be sorely missed.
Like a typical grandma, she loved to talk about her grandchildren. She was so proud of the people they had become. She loved to gush about their achievements and, of course, their children and the families they had created. She also just loved spending time with them. I am sure each one has memories of the times they were together that they can look back on and cherish, and perhaps share with their own families.
Linda was warm, caring, stubborn, passionate, loving, beautiful, and smart. It was hard not to see her great big smile light up the room and not be happy. Mom left a mark on all that knew and loved her: Each with their own memories of the good times and bad, the laughter and tears, and the love. These are the things she leaves behind for us. And, as long as we remember, she will continue on through us.
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