Linda S. McGarry, aged 68 of Allegan, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2019, after complications from a recently discovered brain tumor.  Linda will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 36 years, Tom; children: Andrew and Julie Merwin, Erin and Taylor Bonovetz, Lyndsay and Wyatt Martin; grandchildren: Zack and Abby Merwin, Samantha and Reagan Bonovetz, Binnie Martin; sister, Barbara Carr; and numerous exchange student ‘daughters’ from around the world.  Linda spent her entire career as an educator. She was a world traveler, starting as a foreign exchange student in Germany and going on to visit 6 of the 7 continents. She was the foundation of her family and the impact of her generosity will carry on for many generations to come. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood.  An opportunity to share memories and the impact Linda had on each of our lives will follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider contributions to organizations she was personally passionate about - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: https://secured.bbbs.org/page/33255/donate or Susan G. Komen: https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donation.

Leave Your Tribute Message

September 27, 2019 7:28am
Linda worked for me as an adjunct in the Transitional Studies Dept. at KVCC. She taught some of our reading courses. She was kind, generous, smart, patient, and encouraging of fellow faculty, and most importantly her students. She will be missed. Sincerely, Cheryl Almeda

- Cheryl Almeda

September 07, 2019 6:30pm
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with Linda in her role at Wayne RESA. She was a passionate educator and a true advocate for students and teachers alike. She was respected and loved by anyone who had the pleasure of working with her.

- Russell Robinson

September 07, 2019 6:28pm
Erin & Family, My very deepest sympathy to you on your loss. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories and the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort. In Sympathy, Jan Carwardine

- Jan Carwardine

September 06, 2019 10:17am
Linda was an amazing woman. Her loss is going to leave a space in the lives of her family and friends that can never be filled. I’m so lucky to have been her friend and neighbor for over 30 years. She inspired and guided many young lives including my daughters who were both in the education field. My heart and prayers go out the her family at this difficult time.

- Cheryl Heuer

September 06, 2019 7:33am
Our thoughts and love are with the whole family. May her legacy live on and continue to be the foundation for future family generations to come.

- Isaiah & Natalie Dahlman

September 06, 2019 4:02am
My deepest sympathies to the family during this time. I hope you find comfort in the memories shared over the years.

- Amy Buzzell

September 05, 2019 2:45pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Through this extremely difficult time sharing stories and pictures of her wonderful and full life will be a blessing with all that knew and loved her. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers

- Patricia Brnjac

September 05, 2019 1:55pm
You were an incredible woman and a wonderful host mom, who inspired me and so many other people with your power and your positive thinking. I am grateful to be a part of your family and for all the great moments we shared. I can’t put in words how sad I am and how much I will miss you. You will always be loved.

- Rike

September 05, 2019 3:39am
Lyndsay and family: From all of us at TBD Solutions, we are so sorry for your loss. We cannot imagine how proud of you your mom must have been. Our hearts break for someone so sweet to have endure such loss. Please know we are praying for you and your family as your remember her. May God provide comfort and blessing to you even as you mourn her loss.

- Jason Radmacher

September 04, 2019 2:21pm
Linda was a wonderful leader and an active member of Friendship Force, always generous with her time and her energetic spirit. I have no doubt she contributed much to many people’s lives and will be greatly missed.

- Elaine Nabor

September 03, 2019 3:59pm
I met and worked with Linda at EDCO Publishing. She was wonderful to work with and I have great memories of traveling to conferences with this wonderful lady. Sincere condolences to her friends and family.

- Barb Miller

September 03, 2019 6:40am
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Linda was an amazing woman to have created such a strong legacy through every life she touched.

- Kara Nasif

September 03, 2019 6:22am
We are all saddened by the loss of your dear loved one. Thinking of you all at this time of mourning. May you find peace in the memories you have created together.

- On Behalf of the Perrigo Sales & Marketing Tea

September 03, 2019 5:48am
My deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the memories you have stored away. Prayers to all of you. Val Gallagher

- Valerie Gallagher

September 02, 2019 11:43pm
Although Linda´s weak body passed away, her strong mind will survive vividly among all of us. The thankful mother of her third daughter Anna - Inga Kleine-Renfordt

- Inga Kleine-Renfordt

September 02, 2019 7:06pm
Sympathy to Tom and family .. such a sudden shock to receive the sad news while Joy and I are away on 5 weeks holiday .. Vietnam plus including a Murray Bridge Friendship Force outbound journey to Denpasar (Bali) - Indonesia and Yogyakarta (Central Jarva) - Indonesia 🇮🇩 🇦🇺 We were so lucky to have the opportunity to live with Linda and Tom for a week at a time in their house on 2 seperate occasions - including one visit bringing our Grand Daughter- Ashlee plus another special occasion when Linda and Tom came and lived in our house for one week in Australia 🇦🇺 🇺🇸. Condolences- RAY - JOY & ASHLEE Murray Bridge - Australia

- Ray and Joy Symes - AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

September 02, 2019 5:28pm
I am so sorry for all our loss. I enjoyed traveling with you. I am sorry I cannot join everyone Friday. I will be out of town

- Sandi Vegter

September 02, 2019 4:16pm
I cannot have asked for a better friend or mentor than Linda. She could talk me into doing anything for her or with her (like taking golf lessons). When I needed her the most she was always there for me. I will miss her dearly. Richard and Susan Shirey

- Susan and Richard Shirey

September 02, 2019 9:00am
My dear cousin will be so missed! My heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones. I will be with you in spirit Friday and Linda will be always in my heart. Fondly remembered, deeply loved. So sorry.

- Mary Alice and Tom Ray

September 02, 2019 4:40am
Linda was one of the best people I’ve ever known. From the minute I walked into Siersma Elementary, she made me feel as though I were a lifelong friend. We worked together, golfed together (if you can call it that), enjoyed theater, good food, learning, and laughing together. I learned so much from her both personally and professionally - and I never ceased to be in awe of her amazing grace and determination. Not many people would have you laughing hysterically as you helped her pick out a wig prior to chemo - Linda did. Same thing while we sat together while she went through it. So much was shared during that time - and I treasure those moments. Linda will forever be in my heart and her memory will always be met with a smile. To Tom and her children - our sincerest sympathy and love as you adjust to this new life. You will never be without her - she will forever guide you and rejoice in your lives.

- Susan and Jerry Flis




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Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

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Blooming Duo

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Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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