Linda S. Duncan

Linda S. Duncan, 81, passed away on June 3, 2025. She was born on February 15, 1944, in Marion, the eldest of five children born to the late Lloyd L. and Margaret E. (Dodt) Finch.

A 1961 graduate of Bennett High School, Linda pursued her future passion for healthcare by continuing her education in x-ray technology at St. Joe Hospital in Fort Wayne. This early commitment to medical service would shape the course of her life and career. For over four decades, she dedicated herself to the patients of Marion General Hospital. Her work focused especially on women's health and early detection initiatives – an area where she made a lasting impact.

In the late 1980s, Linda and four colleagues were selected to establish the hospital's first dedicated mammography clinic – a pioneering effort that reflected both her professional excellence and deep sense of purpose. Her expertise and leadership earned her a place among a select group of physicians and directors who traveled to Milan, Italy, and Cologne, Germany to visit mammography manufacturers as part of the clinic's transition to progressive imaging. Her contributions helped shape the future of diagnostic imaging in her community.

Linda was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and lived her life with quiet strength, independence, unwavering grit and a dry sense of humor that endeared her to those around her. She found joy in simple pleasures – playing cards with her euchre club brought laughter and camaraderie; cookbooks lined her shelves as she explored new culinary adventures; and with inspiration from Martha Stewart and Food Network personalities, she mastered cooking later in life-much to both of her daughter's pleasure- she finally learned to cook!!-a long standing joke between she and her girls.

The holidays held special meaning for Linda. At Christmas time, she delighted in baking-especially gingerbread boy cookies- with her grandchildren Lucas and Emma – a cherished tradition filled with warmth and sweet memories. Known affectionately as "Breen Breen" by them, she embraced this role with love.

In the early 1970's through the early 1990's Linda was active in Tri-Kappa sorority where she established many friendships. Linda also treasured time spent with her work friends – relationships built over years of shared dedication that extended well beyond retirement.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Amy (Pat) Larson and Anne Duncan; brothers, Harry (Jane) Finch and Jim (Maureen) Finch; sister-in-law, Sherryl Finch; grandchildren, Lucas (Shelby Ellis) Larson and Emma (Jamie Davies) Larson; three great-grandchildren; special niece, Jamie Duncan, as well as several dear nieces and nephews; family friend and devoted caregiver, Patty Monday.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Finch and sister, Mary Jane Keenan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 10am-11:15am in the narthex of St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Kem Road, Marion. The funeral mass will follow at 11:30am with Rev. Theodore Rothrock officiating. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to St. Paul Catholic Church or St. Paul Catholic School. Owen-Weilert-Duncan, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion was entrusted with the arrangements.