LINDA ELLEN BURRELL

Age 67, of Traverse City, died on March 18, 2007, at the Munson Medical Center Hospice House. Linda dedicated her life to enriching the experience of children during her career as a teacher and through her numerous philanthropic activities. Linda was born in Detroit on September 3, 1939, the daughter of John and Genevieve (Merritt) Chambers. In 1963, she married Donald Burrell, with whom she raised two sons. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Michigan State University and embarked on a career teaching in the Birmingham and Grand Rapids school districts. After time off for the birth of her sons, Linda taught at the Livonia Co-Op Nursery school for 23 years while earning a master's degree in early childhood education. At the Livonia Nursery, Linda's inspiration and encouragement laid the foundation for many successful academic careers. Upon retiring with her husband to Traverse City, she became active in a number of charitable organizations, including Love for Children, Pi Beta Phi sorority and PEO. In addition to these activities, she belonged to the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City and enjoyed her family and granddaughters, entertaining friends and sunsets on Silver Lake. She is survived by her husband, Donald Burrell of Traverse City; sons Scott (Pamela) Burrell of Washington, D.C., and Greg (Susan) Burrell of Novi; granddaughters Avery, Zoe and Samantha Burrell of Novi, and siblings Joan Davis of Tucson, AZ., Wendy Worley of Chandler, AZ., and John Chambers of Glendale, AZ. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Dr. Homer Nye and the Rev. Becky Chamberlain will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Love for Children, c/o The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 or PEO Chapter EH (Scholarships for Women) c/o Kathy Nolan, 605 N. 11th St., Traverse City, 49684. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/. Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 6th Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com