Linda Beth Bylander

Linda Beth Bylander, 73, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 22, at St. David's Round Rock Hospital in Round Rock, Texas.

Born in Urbana, Ill. to Nathan and Anne Newmark, Linda graduated from Wellesley College in 1963 majoring in zoology, and earned a doctorate degree from New York University in 1970 specializing in hematology.

She was a fellow of the American Cancer Society doing cancer research and was one of the first people to incorporate the study of stem cells in cancer research. In 1976 she moved to Minnesota and went back to school obtaining a master's degree in human development, specializing in psychology.

She worked as a psychologist part time from 1979 to 1981. While in Minnesota she met the love of her life, Jim Bylander, on a blind date. They were married in August 1978. She subsequently converted to Christianity. The family moved to Texas in 1986 where she became involved in Bethany United Methodist Church doing lay ministry, motivational speaking and becoming active in the Emmaus community.

Linda considered her relationship to God an important part of her life. She had been writing a book about her spiritual journey, which is in the editing process.
Her primary focus, however, was always on her family. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her husband, children and extended family.

She is survived by her husband, brother Richard Newmark of Woodbury, Minn.; sister Susan Mayfield of Kenilworth, Ill.; children Sarah (Karl) Montzka of Chicago, Ill; Dan (Heather) of Cedar Park, Tex., Maryann of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or Hill Country Community Ministries.