Linda Fagan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Sue Fagan of Sleepy Hollow on July 3, 2025 at the age of 69. Our family is still in shock after watching her lose her battle to cancer, being diagnosed just one month earlier.

Linda was born on May 2, 1956 to Eugene and Marcia Wilkening. She spent her childhood growing up in Elgin, IL and after graduating from Larkin High School in 1974, she continued her education at Elgin Community College and University of Wisconsin Madison. After graduating with a degree in nursing, she took a position at Sherman Hospital as an ICU nurse, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to caring for and helping others. Later she would go on to become a member of the board of directors at that same hospital.

Linda was a big personality in a small package. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, a kind,caring sister, and the daughter every parent hopes for. She was atrue and trusted friend for those lucky enough to call her one.She loved spending time with her friends and family, including her beloved dog Zoey.

Even in this day and age of Social Media, she still preferred long talks with folks on the phone and connecting in person. She made it her mission to fight for the underdog or anyone she felt was being wronged. She spent many years advocating for veterans during her time as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary as well as taking part in Honor Flight. Linda also volunteered her time and talents with the Elgin United Civic Association, Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association, Elgin Woman’s Club, Special Olympics, and countless other organizations. She was passionate about her work with ALA Illini Girls State and through this program was able to mentor many young women who would later become her good friends. Linda was one of a kind and has left an indelible mark on all of our hearts. She will truly be missed by those who knew her. May her flight to be heaven be on angels’ wings.

Linda is survived by her loving husband Jerry Fagan, children Julie (Joe) Fagan-Foley, Josh (Dana) Fagan, Grandchildren Shannon (Alex) Brand, Kathleen Foley and Baby Fagan, siblings John (Sue) Wilkening and Janice Powers, and Father Eugene “Budd” Wilkening.  She is preceded in death by her mother Marcia Wilkening.

A Celebration of Life will be held from Noon until 4pm on September 13, 2025 at the Holiday Inn & Suites, 495 Airport Rd., Elgin, IL. 

If you would like to make a donation, please consider supporting one of the following organizations, both of which were near and dear to Linda’s heart: 

Honor Flight Chicago – in honor of Linda Fagan

honorflightchicago.org

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois in memory of Linda Fagan

2720 East Lincoln St. Bloomington, IL 61704