Linda Lee Allen (Richmond)

The Gittess family treasures the memories of the good times we had with Linda. May she rest in peace.
Condolences to John, Maggie and family.

Throughout the years I have known Linda, I could always count on her to be a true, generous, and compassionate friend. She was always ready with a quick and infectious smile and an open ear, and you always knew her interest and concern was real. Linda was funny, and smart, and warm, and I always felt uplifted after spending time with her. Linda was inspiring, too, and I always marveled at her ability to be such a wonderful and devoted mother, wife, and business partner. I particularly admired the way she nurtured Maggie in such a loving way while at the same time providing her with the encouragement and freedom to spread her wings and embrace life as an adventure. Maggie, to me, the person you have become is your mom’s greatest legacy, and you are the embodiment of so much of what she stood for - integrety, compassion, and independence. These last two years have served as an inspiration for all of us. Linda, with her exceptionally positive attitude and determination to face her illness with dignity; John, with your love and devotion to your beloved wife; and Maggie, with your strength and courage to face this devastating illness and loss and continue on. May God bless you with continued courage, strength, and faith, and with the peaceful reassurance that Linda is at peace in her heavenly home.

With love, Laural Schmidt

Our Prayer for Linda:
Precious Heavenly Father, You do not promise that this life will be easy or carefree but that our next life will be glorious with no illness to fight. Linda didn't choose this horrible, debilitating illness but she dealt with it in such a way as to touch us all. She always had a smile for us and no matter what she was going through, she was always "fine". Dear Lord, we pray that in these past days, You came close to her and were so real to her that she could see You and feel Your presence. We pray You cradled her, comforted her and gave her peace. We pray that you will comfort John and give him peace for she was the love of his life. He has been there for her every step of the way, but Lord he knows You are the Supreme Caregiver and knew, as hard as it was, he had to turn her over to you. They've been together a long time. They've been real partners: In love, in parenting, in business, in life. Lord, we know You love Linda and John and Maggie and if there was ever anyone who practiced Your command to "love one another" it was Linda. She loved Maggie more than life itself and she was devoted to her family and friends. We pray Lord that you will continue to hold her in your loving arms. She will be missed. In Jesus' Holy and Precious name. Amen
Ceil & Tom

Apologies for the double posting

Open Letter In memory of Dearest Aunt Linda

How does one begin to know exactly what to say?

What I do know is that you were one terrific Mom to Maggie, as anyone around you would know. I also want to thank your for loving my Uncle John who was and is crazy about you.

Linda. You accomplished so much in a life that was far too short.

Your generous spirit makes me eternally grateful to you for the compassion and thoughtfulness you afforded my own Mom while she was alive and living in your home.

I admire your courageous spirit, which you exemplified until the end. That spirit and the love you gave will carry on in the hearts and minds of those left behind.

May God shepard you along the path you are now on and may He watch over and bless those close to you in their times of need.

Your loving niece,

Brenda