Obituary

Remembering Linda S. McGarry

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.  

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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

September 02, 2019 3:44am

I have so many fond memories of Linda while working with her at Edco Publishing. Her sense of humor and love of education was such an asset in her presentations at so many conferences. She will be missed!

— cathy zajkowski

September 01, 2019 10:08pm

My deepest sympathy to Linda's family. Linda was a very special person and a very dear friend. She will be greatly missed. I have known Linda since childhood. We met in Sunday school, were classmates and friends at BHHS and then we went to MSU together. Her sense of humor was wonderful; she could bring me to tears with laughter at her humor. Knowing Linda, being friends and the memories created was invaluable to me.

— Kandyce Brink

September 01, 2019 5:51pm

I never laughed so much as when I shared an office with Linda. Her strength, work ethic, and presence as a woman and mother have guided me in my life. A true and pure soul❤️

— Jean Wenner

September 01, 2019 3:45pm

To the family, I send my prayers asking the Lord to give you all peace. Linda was such an amazing woman. I had the opportunity to learn from when I taught at Northwestern High School; she was my literature coach. She was so generous, I will always remember her smile and sense of humor. God bless you all.

— Lisa Brooks

September 01, 2019 3:15pm

My sympathy to the family. Linda and I were classmates at BHHS. For the past year she was part of a monthly lunch group with classmates. She will be missed by all of us.

— Brenda Scott Haueisen

September 01, 2019 2:37pm

Forever & always in our lives. We love you mom.

— Erin

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