Linda Carol Strong

Linda “Lynne” Carol Strong passed away Thursday, February 7, 2019 in her home. She was born in1945 in Kensington, Maryland to Carol and Carl Byham. She spent her younger years in St. Petersburg, Florida and attended Boca Ciega High school. She raised her children and spent the majority of her lifetime in Sarasota, Florida.

Lynne – Mom – Mema – as we all knew her, had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and meaningful way. Her kindness reached many and left a lasting impact on all those around her. She maintained lifetime friendships both here and abroad and opened her home to many, broadly expanding the scope of her family. She loved to travel and has traveled most of the world with her dearest friends and her husband, Lee. She faithfully volunteered her time weekly to the Teen Court of Sarasota, where she was loved and cherished. She gave selflessly to children in third world countries through Christian organizations and saw many through past their high school years. She helped fundraise for many non-profit organizations and worked many golf tournaments to benefit those in need. She was loving and giving and never discriminated in her love and desire to help her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The only thing that exceeded her generosity was her sweetness and ability to love. She truly was a gift from God.

She is survived by her husband, Lee Bair; her brother Scott La Duke (Kathy) and her nephew Grant La Duke and his family. She leaves behind her Daughter, Laural Strong (James); a daughter, Kristy Bauer (Michael) and their six children; and her son, Bryan Strong and his two children. Lynne was the great grandmother to two. She was predeceased by her grandson, Jyotis Sage Strong; her Mother Carol La Duke; father, Carl Byham and her stepfather, Vaughn La Duke.

A Celebration of Life will be held Feb. 24, 12-4pm, at Roessler’s Restaurant, 2033 Vamo Way, Sarasota. In lieu of Flowers we are asking donations be made to an organization very near and dear to her heart, Rob’s Rescue Foundation, Inc.