Linda Lee Cary

Linda Lee Cary, a beacon of gentle faith, was called home to be with our Lord on October 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Born the first child to Robert and Carolyn Cary (Crum) on December 19, 1948, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, Linda's life was a testament to the grace and love she carried within her heart. Her final moments were spent in Ypsilanti, Michigan, surrounded by family and the peacefulness she cherished.
A proud graduate of Penn High School in 1967, Linda's dedication to education shone brightly as she continued her academic journey, earning an undergraduate degree in English from Bethel College in 1971. Her passion for the written word led her to pursue and obtain a Master's in Library Science from Western Michigan University. Linda's academic pursuits were complemented by her musical talent, as she skillfully played the clarinet throughout her high school and college years.
Linda turned her educational accomplishments into service for her community, dedicating her 52 year career to serve as a librarian at the Elkhart Public Library from 1971-2023. She started out in a role selecting materials for the library and eventually moved into the Technical Services department to be a cataloger. Colleagues knew they could always rely on Linda, not just because of her near perfect attendance, but also because of her kindness, knowledge, and willingness to help.
Linda lived with her mother, Carolyn, and took care of her in her final years. She cherished visits from her cousins Joan, Janet and Judy, as well as her younger brother, John Cary, his wife Nicki, and their children: Steven, Megan, and Jonathan (Alex).
Linda was a lifelong lover of horses, often traveling to see famous equestrian shows, collecting memorabilia, and enjoying books and films about the equestrian world. She also found great joy in traveling to unique places in the Midwest and United States with rich history such as Shipshewana, Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island and Washington D.C. Linda and Carolyn both shared a love of music by Lawrence Welk as well as classical religious themed works. An artist at heart (though she would never call herself so), Linda's creativity was expressed through the intricate and beautiful cards she crafted, a hobby made possible by her impressive stamp collection. Her love for reading was insatiable, and she often found solace in the words of her favorite author Janette Oak.
Linda's spirit was best described as faith-filled and gentle. Her demeanor was a reflection of her inner peace and the deep love she had for her Savior. In her life, Linda embodied the words of Mother Teresa, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Through every small act of kindness, every book recommendation, and every handcrafted card, Linda did indeed do great things with the love she poured into them.
Linda was preceded in death by her father Robert (1988) and mother Carolyn (2016). She is survived by her brother John, sister-in-law Nicolette, nephew Steven with his wife Jessica and their six children Levi, Adalyn, Gabriel, Clara, Emilia, and Felicity, niece Megan with her husband Sean and their daughter Mackenzie, nephew Jonathon, cousins Janet, Judy and Joan.
The viewing reception will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home- Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Rd South Bend, IN 46635.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025 with a visitation beginning prior at 10:30 a.m. both at Palmer Funeral Homes- Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Rd South Bend, IN 46635. A luncheon will follow at Papa Vino's Italian Kitchen 5110 Edison Lakes Pkwy Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Those wishing to honor Linda's memory can make a donation to Bethel University through their website here https://betheluniversity.edu/give or via check made payable to Bethel University mailed to Bethel University Institutional Advancement 1001 Bethel Circle Mishawaka, IN 46545.
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