Linda Lou Bahrey

Linda L Bahrey (née Wallin), born in 1941 in Chicago, IL, to Clifford and Eleanor Wallin, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on February 2, 2024, in Everett, WA. Linda’s life was marked by her dedication to family, her passion for nursing, and her love for animals and music.

Raised in Illinois, Linda cherished her early childhood memories of schooling in a one-room schoolhouse, a unique experience that nurtured her lifelong love of learning and helping others. She graduated high school from Downers Grove North (class of ’59) and then graduated with her bachelor’s degree from North Central College (class of ‘63). She began her nursing career at Presbyterian St Luke’s Hospital, where she formed lasting friendships and honed the skills that defined her professional life.

In 1967, Linda married Robert Bahrey, with whom she was married until 1991. Together, they raised two children, Maureen and Ryan, in a home filled with caring. Linda paused her career to dedicate herself to raise her children and then returned to the workforce in the late-1980s after her children entered high school. She continued her nursing career at Central DuPage Hospital and later at the DuPage County Health Department, always prioritizing care and compassion.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Linda's life was her passion for nursing and her commitment to providing the best possible care for her patients. She returned to work as a registered nurse after raising her children and worked at various settings, including hospitals and health departments. She was not afraid to advocate for her patients' needs with doctors and other medical staff, and she often stayed well after her shift ended to ensure her patients were comfortable, especially when she worked on the oncology department and were approaching end of life. Linda's nursing career was more than a job; it was a calling that reflected her generous and caring nature.

Linda had a friendly personality and a knack for engaging in conversation, which enabled her to form friendships everywhere she went, from church to the local grocery store. She met some of her lifelong friends through random interactions in her daily life, such as walking with her children in the neighborhood. She had a deep love for animals, and often remembered her collie, Laddie, and her cherished horse, Trudy.

Linda had a wide range of hobbies and interests that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. She excelled at quilting, sewing, gardening, playing the piano, and singing, with a meticulous and exacting approach to each activity. Another of her favorite hobbies was finishing internal trim and hard wood furniture. Linda was also a devoted member of several churches throughout her life, such as the First Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellyn, IL, Willowcreek Church in Barrington, IL, and Monroe Congregational United Church of Christ in Monroe, WA, showing her strong faith and dedication to community. She enjoyed singing traditional hymns and would often hum these melodies.

Linda is survived by her brother James Wallin (Marit), her children Maureen Ingold and Ryan Bahrey (Heidi), and five grandchildren, who will remember her as a guiding light filled with wisdom and kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Eleanor Wallin.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early August 2024 in a Chicago suburb, with an option to attend virtually, honoring Linda's vibrant spirit and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity meaningful to Linda, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others.

Linda will be remembered not only for her professional achievements and personal hobbies but for her unwavering love and dedication to her family and community. Her legacy of kindness, compassion, and an ever-ready smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.