Linda S. Lovern
October 19, 1950 - November 11, 2001

"Our family was lucky enough to share many wonderful holidays and family get togethers with Linda and John while our children were growing up. I am so grateful for the memories Linda helped to create for our children. All I can think now is that Heaven became a more beautiful place with Linda smiling down on all of us. How lucky we all were to have her touch our lives. Our prayers go out to John and the family. Love, Cheryl and Tom"

"We never did get to meet Linda at Riversbend, but our sympathy to her family is of course offered."

"We are so sorry to hear of Linda's death. Our prayers and sympathies are extended to John, her children and the rest of her family. Unfortunatley we did not have a chance to really get to know Linda well. She always shared a warm smile & waved a friendly hello when she walked past our trailer. I know there are many of us at the campgrounds that hoped to get to know her & John better this coming camping season. Hopefully her memory and witness will warm us into following her example and being more "personal" neighbors. God Bless, Bill and Karlene Hall"

"My condolences go out to Linda's husband John, her children, Denna & Dennis, & Eric, her brothers, LeRoy and Sam, and to the rest of her family that loved her so much. She will certainly be missed by this brother-in-law. Linda was a special person who had a special gift of making other people around her feel important. She was a people person. She was in the prime of her life, enjoying her family more than ever, especially that new grandchild, McKenna. She was a devoted wife to John and enjoyed life everyday to the fullest. I feel that my life has been blessed by being part of Linda's family and there will be forever a void in my life with her absence. We were down at the Houseboat yesterday when we received the news, an appropriate place I guess, and I looked at our "Boat House" plaque on the wall in our stateroom...it was the one Linda had made for us a few years back. John, be strong and you'll get thru this tragic loss. We love you man. May God bless you and be with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary"

"I wish that I could be there with the family right now. At times like this I wish I didn't live so far away. I have many fond memories of my dear aunt Linda. She was always on the cutting edge of internet technology. I first used the internet at her house. She showed me the "internet dancing baby" which I thought was hillarious. I will never forget the sound of her voice or her laugh. I'm sure that Uncle Gary and Aunt Mary will agree that Linda had a strong "yooper" accent, something you may not have noticed unless you lived down south. Aunt Linda was always the life of the party, and I always loved to visit her house to see the coolest decorations. Who needs Martha Stewart when you have a Linda Lovern in the family! I am so glad that my daughter had the opportunity to spend some time with her great Aunt Linda. My daughter was born ironically a year and a half before and after the untimely death of two great Linda's. Linda Symons died in November 1998. My daughter Lindee, was born Feb. 2000. Now 1 1/2 years later, in November her Aunt Linda has been called home to Jesus. I didn't have any of this in mind when I named my daughter, but now reflecting on this I am proud that she shares a similar name to two very beautiful women. On behalf of my family, I send my condolences to you Uncle John, and to my dear cousins, Deanna, Dennis, and Eric. I would also like to send condolences to my Uncle Leroy, Aunt Mary and to my dad, Sam. All my love, Carrie"

"I met Linda several years ago through her niece, Nita. We began an internet friendship. Linda kept us all updated on her Yahoo family webpage with pictures of her family. I did get the pleasure of meeting Linda once when she came to Virginia to see her husband's family members and took time out of her busy schedule to come and find me at my work. She even helped me get some hard to find Beanie Babies for my niece several Christmas' ago. I am so honored to have met and known such a special lady. She had such a love for life. Linda will be greatly missed. My sympathy goes out to her entire family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All."

"My most heartfelt condolences go to my Uncle John, Deanna, Andy, Dennis, Sara, McKenna and Eric. I am having a hard time tyring to find the words to describe what a truly special and wonderful woman my Aunt Linda was, and is, for she will never be completely gone in my heart. You did not just "meet" Aunt Linda and go on about your way. She was one those people that even a brief encounter left her in your memory and changed by her upbeat firecracker attitude. I am so grateful that my daughter Cody got to meet her Great Aunt Linda even though we lived so far apart. Aunt Linda and Uncle John brought such fun and happiness to all those that they met. I know Aunt Linda would not want us to be sad and mourn for her so I am going to try to smile and make every person I see and talk to tomorrow at least smile or laugh in memory of my Aunt."

"My Family never got to meet Linda but we were in touch via email, she sent idea's for the Rivers Bend Camp Site Page. We all were excited for the next camp season to meet her, now this is not to be. God had something special in store for Linda that only she can see. We will continue to pray for John and the Family and send our deepest simpathy. God Bless You All."

"People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed. Wake up the grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime. When they're susposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us, "Don't miss me to much. The view is nice, and I'm doing just fine." We did not know Linda well but will miss her. Our prayers are with you and your family John. Joan & Elwood"

"I am a neighbor at River's Bend and I am sorry to say that I had not met Linda. . My sympathy to her family."

"Linda will always be in our hearts. She was a very dear friend with so much warmth and care for everyone she will not be forgotten. We had several happy, fun camping outings with them as well as fun line dancing and the halloween parties which she likes so much."

"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Linda's Family. I will miss my silly, sweet,and party planning cousin very much. I was fortunate to share in many a good time with the L'Huillier gang and will always treasure our Family's get togethers. Linda was always a joy to be around whether it was a Holiday or just an ordinary day. She brought much joy to our home when she visited and spent many a night entertaining me when she babysat. I would also like to express the kindness and respect she always showed to my parents. Linda you are truly one of a kind and you will always be in my heart."

"John and family. I knew Linda since she was a little girl, and a very nice one at that...I am sooooo sorry for your loss..."

"sorry to hear of your loss. she was a very nice person."

"I remember you showing me your pictures of your beautiful grandkids on labor day and your 50th birthday party. Johnny, our deepest sympathy. Miss You Linda!!"

"MARY, WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE HAVE HEARD YOU SPEAK OF HER OFTEN, WE KNOW HOW CLOSE YOU WERE TO HER. YOU HAVE THE MEMORIES THAT WILL NEVER FADE. ALL OUR LOVE, MARICE & RUTH"

"Living so far away from family, Linda was the one who always kept me updated on other family members, but I also got to know her better and I am very grateful for that. It was always a pleasure to see an email from her or look on the family web page and see new pictures of her grandkids or her camping trips. I will miss her greatly. Uncle Johnny, take one day at a time and try to remember she would not want you to be sad. My prayers are with you. Love, Nita"

"I met Linda a few years ago at work in NMU. One day we were talking about computers for some reason and I showed her a couple programs I used to manage my graphics and animations. She liked them so much that I presented the programs to her. Some of her relatives and friends may have seen some of the fruits of her efforts in animated greeting cards Linda would attach to emails. She would drop by the office with all sorts of computer questions and I would show her how to correct or find the solution. She became so proficient that I know that her friends and relatives benefitted from her expertise. I eventually called her a computer guru - she would laugh at that! One day she came bouncing into my office to announce the birth of a grandchild. That was a grand day!! Linda was a very active and kind person. She will be missed."

"Our thoughts are with you. Sincere sympathies . Your river neighbors, Joyce&Robert Erickson"

"To my family, We wish we could be there to share in the memories.As I read this guestbook I know that along with the sadness your heart will be filled with pride.You can see that Auntie Linda's spirit of celebration,of kindness, and of family ,has touched so many.They will come to you and you will feel her presence.Listen.It is these memories that will live forever. With all our love, John ,Adele, Drew, and Max."

"Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. We didn't see her often, but she always had a smile for us."

"Mary, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. May God bless you and your family. We hope to see you soon."

"It's times like this that we wished we seen our family and friends more. Painfully, it's times like this that bring us all together again. I haven't seen my cousin Linda for many years. The one memory that always stood out the most about Linda was her uplifting personality. She was someone that left a warm place in your heart and a smile on your face. Truly, Linda will be missed by all those who love her but never missed in the heart. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all her family and friends."

"I will always remember Auntie Linda's smile, sparkling eyes, and her laughter. A very creative and talented woman."

"I had the pleasure of have time with Linda everyday at work.We didn't work in the same building but we made sure that we took our lunch time together.I have known Linda from the time she was a little girl ,when she would go to her Auntie Roses'and we would play.There will never be anyone more full of fun and joy as she has been in so many lifes.She will be sitting up there with the Big Guy watshing over all of us."

"I send my heartfelt sympathies to each member of this family, may you be comforted by the hand of the Lord during this difficult time."

"During the last 5 years or so it has been my pleasure to have worked with Linda. She will be sadly missed by every one who works in this building. Our thoughts go out to the family."

"To Linda's Family My deepest sympathy to you for your's and our loss. I work at the NMU Bookstore and had the pleasure of seeing Linda daily on her lunch hour excursions. She shared with me many stories and pictures..quite a creative woman with a zest for life. I remember when she got her computer and how excited she was. She dove right into the technology. She told me, "I just keep hitting buttons, I know I can't break the thing". That is how she approached life, head on. I admired her creativity and she shared many many pictures with me. Her last project - the stepping stones - was just this fall. She brought in pictures(on disk, of course) and shared them with me and explained each one's significance. What a zest for life she had. Linda had McKenna in the store a few weeks ago and she was so proud. She let me hold her and all the while she spoke so fondly of her family. That is my last memory of talking with Linda and it is one I will treasure. Linda .. always smiling .. always kind.. I will miss her dearly. Betsy Jaakola"

"I've worked at NMU with Linda for the last five years. When I returned to work in July of '99 after my husband passed away, she was one of the first people to greet me and gave me a hug. After my car accident last fall, she always made sure in the mornings that she was there to open any doors for me that she could or help me get over any icy or bad spots. The best thing was her smile because no matter what she always had one to share and that made it easier for me to smile back. I often came into my office at 6:30 in the morning and talk about me and the computer game sites I was playing or my soon to be grandchild. I will miss her smile more than I can begin to say. I am so proud and happy to have known here. You have my deepest sympathy."

"Our prayers are with you and your family for your great loss.."

"Linda(and John) are two of the most giving, warm,loving people we've had the pleasure to meet and become friends with. The open friendly smiles ALWAYS made you give a smile in return. Linda will be missed more than mere words can ever express! John-you take good care of yourself! And remember that if you need ANYTHING to please just call!"

"Linda was truly friendly and always came across as a cheerfull and optimistic, upbeat lady.She is already missed at work, and our society could use more like her.Her family has our family's deepest sympathies, but we take comfort in our belief that she is already on assignment from God, keeping a smiling, watchful eye on those nearest and dearest to her. May He keep her and her's in His fold always."

"Linda was a special person. Everytime I think of Auntie Linda, I see her smiling, laughing, and her eyes sparkling. She will always be remembered. I was just looking at pictures of Auntie Linda, Mary(mom), and Grandma Ruth. They were having such a good time. Dressed up in Halloween costumes. Auntie Linda and Mary(mom) in Linda's beautiful backyard posing with their "flapper dresses" on (Halloween). Pictures of Auntie Linda and Mary(mom) sitting in the jacuzzie and having a good time. Uncle John, Deanna, Dennis, Uncle Leroy, Uncle Sam, Mary, and family: My prayers go out to all of you. It is hard to believe that Auntie Linda is no longer here with us; but she will always be with us in our hearts. Loving Memories, Tracy"

"our love and prayers are with you Johnnie and family. we will miss her greatly. God be with you all."

"Our hearts are filled with sadness for Linda and her family. She was a remarkable woman and she lived life to it's fullest. She will always be remember in our hearts, as a "spirit in the sky". God Bless, Troy and Rochelle Lane"

"I was so sorry to hear about Linda's unexpected passing. I send my sympathies to all of you."

"John, on behalf of all of us(Will Sr., JR., Bill, Sandy, and every one of the residents of Rivers Bend), we wish to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family. It's an honor to know that Linda considered Rivers Bend as a favorite place. She made it a little more special."

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Linda's family. We have known Linda for many years through work. She was always a great person to be around. Lots of fun and always smiling. Linda and her smile will be greatly missed. God Bless all of you. Bill & Sue"

"Thanks to all who made the celebration of Linda's life so special...she truly was loved by many...she was so much more that my mother-in-law and my daughter's "Gramma Love" , she was my friend...and will forever live in my heart."

"Linda was a wonderful co-worker for many years, and also a true and loving friend. She had a genuine concern for others, and her smile always helped to brighten the day. We shared many coffee breaks talking about weekend plans, getting the gardens ready, and her favorites - family get togethers and the joys of being a grandma. You could always count on her to bail you out of computer problems, give ideas for decorating, or send crazy E-mails. She will always hold a special place in all of our hearts, and we are all blessed for having shared her love of life. Our prayers are with her and her family."

"Linda's sister Mary found a beautiful white rose that glistened in a vacant lot by LeRoys. The only rose there. Mary & I cut the rose & put it in a paper bag. As we were walking that dark, cold, windy night, the rose must've flew out of the bag. When we got back to LeRoys, & looked in the bag, our faces were unbelievable. We were quite surprised it was gone. We back-tracked, & found it a block away. That rose stayed next to Linda in the hospital. It was opened all the way & beautiful, just like Linda. She was a beautiful & opened herself up to everybody. I love her & will miss her very much. Mary will get that rose that is being preserved by cousin Patty."

"Many years ago Linda was a fan of our womens softball league. She was a character. when any of us were looking for another we had a standard yell" hoo dee hoo. Everytime I think of that or hear that call, (which still does exsist after 20 years) will make me think of her and all the laughs we had. We had a good time working together. There were always pranks being pulled on each other. Barb Erickson was always in on them too. It was the laughs that kept us going. The funniest memory I had was when she was serving food and I stuck a raw chicken liver in her plastic glove. The harder she tried to pull the glove off the tighter it became. I always had to be on my toes because I knew she was going to get me back. Good times ended much too soon for Linda. My thought and prayers are with the family. God Bless everyone. KJ"

"Deanna and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom from roller-skating at the Baraga gym MANY years ago. You have so many wonderful memories that will help to heal your heart in the coming months. I will keep you in my prayers. Take care Deanna - Patty B."

"My many thanks go out to everyone who helped me through this tragic loss and for all the people who came to my Mother's funeral. I think everyone writing on this web page is making my mom proud because she loved her computer world so much. She is thinking this is pretty cool. I miss her so much already. We had so many things to do yet in life. Thanks again for all the support from my family, extended family and many good friends. I love you all. Love, Deanna"

"My heart goes out to my entire family. I am sorry I could not be there with all of you but my heart is there with you. My aunt Linda was a very special lady whom will be missed greatly. I will always remember the joy and laugher she brought to all of us growing up. Even though she is no longer with us, I feel very lucky that I can remember her every single day when I see my mother and speak to her. My mother(Mary) and my aunt Linda were very much alike and I know she will keep her memory very much alive."

"My dear Sam, Kathy, LeRoy, Janis.... How my heart goes out to you all.....I underwent a similar cirrcumstance and do know what what you are feeling. In mine, if it helps, my family believes my brother is a "star" in the sky. When I look up, over the years past and see a star I think of him looking down at us, smiling. I pray that someday you can find a similar comfort. I will always remember Linda with a smile on her face. That she truly had. For the life she did live it truly touched others. God will grace her presence. When she looks down on you, she will want to see you happy and as hard as it will be, you must try...as I know it will be hard. Life does goes on, hard as it must seem right now. I pray for the stength and courage for you to bear it all. With the strengh of your family and friends you will have the courage to accept the envideable. Sometimes life gives us no choice. May God's blessing be with you all..Our love, Paul/Carole"

"So sorry for the family who will truly miss Linda. I know Linda from NMU and shared breakfast and coffee with her many mornings at work. She was a real sweetie. I miss her and know how much the family will miss her also. God Bless all of you and be assured Linda is at peace. :)"

"I am the secretary for the Criminal Justice Dept. in the same building where Linda worked. When Ben (our regular custodian) was on vacation, Linda would clean our offices. She was always a joy to chat with and was always smiling. It was only recently that she brought her new Grand baby in to show me. Mom, Sarah VanAbel, is a good friend of my family (Scott and Sue Young). How proud Linda was of that baby and her family. She will be missed, but not forgotten. The folks at the CJ Dept. send their sincere sympathy. May God Bless!"

"We miss you Linda! WE love you!"

"We are so sorry for your great loss. Time does dull the pain but memories will stay always. I believe those who go before us are always with us in some way. We hope you find comfort in knowing many people care and keep you in their thoughts and prayers."