Linda Wallner Bell

Linda Therese Wallner Bell passed on to the next realm on November 7, 2024, after a brief illness. She was surrounded in person and in spirit by loved ones who cherished her dearly.

Born April 2, 1951, in New York City to Frieda Marie Hammerschmidt and Herman Wilhelm Wallner, Sr., Linda's early life was spent on 42nd Street in Sunnyside, Queens. A first generation American of Bavarian descent, Linda traveled to Germany as a young child with her parents to meet many of her relatives. She maintained a lifelong interest in her ancestry, having recently connected or re-connected with several cousins through DNA testing and social media.

In 1956, Linda's father accepted a job to manage the Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD. Upon relocation, Linda spent the rest of her formative years in Baltimore where she soaked up the culture and character of the city - seeing the Beatles in 1964, hanging out in libraries and at the park, frequenting the flower mart, making her own stylish dresses, and experiencing, in her words, "textures, colors, smells, hopes, dreams, elegance, and an aesthetic that still drives my choices." Linda was planning a pilgrimage back to visit Baltimore in the spring of '25.

Linda graduated from Parkville High School in 1970 and studied art at Towson University in Maryland. In 1977, she married Herman "Ty" Bell and moved to Auburn, Alabama. Though the marriage didn't last, Linda's ties to the South did, as she built a career and many meaningful friendships through her love of discovery and interest in others.

Linda worked as art director for the Auburn Bulletin/Lee County Eagle (1979-1982) and as public information officer for East Alabama Mental Health (1982-1987). She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual communications at Auburn University in 1988. In 1989, Linda joined the professional staff of the Auburn University Department of Theatre, where she served for 30 years as the director of marketing and public relations until her retirement in 2019. Linda was a master at making connections between people, ideas, and action. Whether creating marketing collateral and playbills for shows, planning festive special events, handling public relations and donor relationships, mentoring students, managing the box office, or coming up with the most esoteric, obscure props and furniture pieces for productions, Linda made things happen with her insatiable curiosity and boundless creativity. Also a fixture in the Auburn University Art Department, she earned her Master of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design in 2001 and taught typography, all while supporting theatre at Auburn. A conceptual artist herself, Linda curated hundreds of art shows in the Telfair Peet Theatre gallery, showcasing artists from the community, the Southeast region, and beyond.

Linda received an achievement award from The Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in 1993 and multiple scholarships from the Columbus Ad Club. She was a member of the Montgomery Advertisement Federation, National College Designers, and the Public Relations Council of Alabama (charter East Alabama chapter). She also earned her real estate license, leveraging her knowledge and love of architecture, restoration, and design.

Linda's father Herman died suddenly at age 56 when Linda was only 13 years old. Her mother Frieda lived until the age of 84; Linda was the primary caretaker for the last part of her mother's life until she passed in 1996. As an adult, Linda grew close to her brother, Dr. Herman Wallner, who was nearly 20 years her senior. Together they traveled, spent time with his children, sought out compelling folk art, executed hilarious highjinks, and enjoyed good wine while listening to opera - undoubtedly expounding upon any number of captivating subjects. Herman passed away unexpectedly in December of 2002, leaving a tremendous void but also many happy memories that Linda recounted often.

With a heart of gold and an incredible supply of empathy, Linda had the ability to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. She knew how to inspire others and to have fun. She was fierce, strong, and independent. She was also immensely kind and soft-hearted and gave back to her community in many ways. All of these qualities extended to her love and advocacy for animals. Over the years, she rescued, sheltered, and rehomed countless dogs, cats, and even a couple of pigs, often sacrificing her own comfort in service of the creatures in her care. Many of us found our own precious pets thanks to Linda's efforts and her knack for connecting people, animals, and opportunities to foster or adopt. In addition to her own personal and various joint rescue efforts over the years, Linda served on the board of directors for the Waverly Puphouse rescue organization and was a longtime patron and champion of Moores Mill Animal Hospital.

Linda was a seeker. Whether searching for that perfect treasure at the antique shop, the thrift store, or the garden center; analyzing movies, music, or the latest social media phenomena; or researching (and passionately discussing) art, psychology, mythology, medicine, the metaphysical, the relics of the past, the current state of things, or any other from a vast array of fascinating topics - Linda was a devoted student and teacher of life. A truly fabulous friend, Linda enjoyed regular social "shenanigans" with friends and chosen family - and she knew everyone. But she also enjoyed her solitary time at home in the magical woods of Beauregard, AL, tending her animals, garden, and collection of artifacts from a lifetime of discovery.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Frieda Marie Hammerschmidt and Herman Wilhelm Wallner, Sr.; her brother, Herman Wilhelm Wallner, Jr.; and many beloved pets. She is survived by many friends, family members, and chosen family members, including eight dogs, six cats, and two potbelly pigs. Loving donations to help with the continued care and placement of Linda's animals would be very much appreciated and can be made via this GoFundMe link for the Linda Wallner Bell Memorial Animal Fund (https://gofund.me/b923a2ae). If you prefer to give via a different pathway, please contact Ashley Butler (jashleybutler@gmail.com) or Taylor Dyleski (tdyleski@gmail.com) for more information.

A celebration of Linda's life will take place in early 2025, with a tentative date of February 1, at a location to be determined. Watch for an announcement on social media, or email jashleybutler@gmail.com to be added to a notification list.

Special thanks to Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory who kindly assisted with Linda's final arrangements.