Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Linda Wilcox Obituary
Beloved Wife and
Caregiver
Age 58, of Horseheads, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 12, 2008, at her home. Linda was born on August 31, 1950, to the late Edgar and Katherine (Prigoric) Wheeler. Survivors include her husband, Kirwan; chosen sister, Lori Rathjen; sister and best friend, Betty (Mark) Sheehan of Horseheads; brother, Edgar (Katy) Wheeler of Thousand Oaks, CA; niece, Amanda Wheeler; nephews, Thomas Wheeler, Marc and Sean Sheehan; her loyal dog, Jett; best friend, Jo Carpenter; close friends, Mary Beth, Ruth, Dawn, Peg, and so many other close friends and "phone buddies" that the Star-Gazette would have to expand this section if we listed them all! Linda was predeceased by her sisters, Kathy (Wheeler) Crawford and Gloria (Long) Booker; and brother, John Wheeler. Family and friends are invited to call Sunday, October 19, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the James D. Barrett Funeral Home. A remembrance service will follow at 4 p.m., where everyone that wishes can share a memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Linda can be made to Camp Good Times at 47 Bridge Street, Corning, NY 14830. She really appreciated and respected what they did for her sister, Kathy and all others who are affected by cancer. The world is a lesser place without Linda in it. Her sense of humor kept us all laughing through all of life's good times and bad. She was our counselor, our mentor, our doctor, our psychologist, our supporter and our friend. She was a gift to us all and will be missed beyond comprehension. She directed us on which way to go and what to do, we didn't always listen…..but she was always there for us anyway. She made us better people even when we didn't want to be. We are now without our guiding star as she rejoins her loved ones that have gone before her. One thing is for sure….Heaven is now a much funnier place to be!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Linda Wilcox
Tom Schwab
October 21, 2008
Kerry....so sorry to hear about Linda. I wanted to come Sunday but I got sick and never left the house. Linda was great...I miss talking to Kathy and you guys. Take care.
Bill Rice
October 21, 2008
Kerry, Lori, Betty & Family
I am very sorry for your loss. I only found out today 10/21/08 because of a trip to Oklahoma I was on. Linda was a special person and helped me through a very rough time in my life and I am sorry I was not there for her when she needed the favor returned, she knows what I mean. She will be missed by so many but will have God as her new friend. Linda You were special.
All My Love
Bill Rice
Lisa Cooer Ellison
October 19, 2008
Kerry and family,
I am truly sorry for the loss of Linda - I remember coming to your house when I was little and Linda always teasing us about how she hated kids and then giving us pop and telling jokes. She was a wonderful person - full of spunk, generosity and humor. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Ellison
Michael Zeigler
October 19, 2008
Kerry,Edgar,Betty and Family,
It is with great sadness that I heard of Linda's passing.She was like the big sister I never had.I'll never forget all the great times we had growing up as kids and hanging out at her house. Linda, Thanks so much for being a big part of my life and being a great friend. You will truely be missed.
Angelique Gordon Duryea
October 18, 2008
Oh Linda ... I absolutely hit the floor when I got the call. I had just talked to you for hours a couple of days before - so long in fact that my phone died and I never got to say goodbye. Is there some kind of meaning in that? I'm starting to think that there are no coincidences. There's still a thank you card for you sitting on my table, all filled out and waiting for a stamp. I am just in complete shock. For you to go eleven days after my mom is so completely surreal. I was counting on you to be there to tell me stories about her for the next 30 or 40 years ... to talk me through the hard times. To bring her back to me when I needed her the most. Now you're gone, and I feel like I've lost her all over again. Eleven days Linda! And Kurt's grandmother in between! Three deaths right in a row. I don't even know what to think.
You said the last time you talked to her, Mom kept asking you if you would be okay when she went. I know it really bothered you, and now it's bothering me. It's like you both knew; like you each had some kind of feeling. Or maybe, wherever she is, she needs you just as badly there as she did here. You being the consumate caregiver, I can see how you would go.
I've said this before, but, if you can hear me Linda, wherever you are, I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. For saving Sam and I in our hour of need; for supporting me; for guiding me without judging me; for sticking by my mom no matter what she threw at you; and for listening, always listening. You got me in ways that not many people can, and it was always such a comfort. I will miss you Linda, more than you know. If you see her, please tell her everything we've talked about.
If our idea of heaven is being reunited with those that we've lost, then right now you are surrounded by people who love you. This my hope for you, Linda. May it be beautiful, peaceful, and everything you imagined it would be.
To Kerry, Lorie, and everyone else who loved Linda - I extend my deepest sympathies. I can't be there with you in New York but I'm with you in spirit, grief, and sorrow. She was one of a kind.
Tina Matthews (Wheeler)
October 18, 2008
Thinking of you all, and remembering Linda, her laughter, and her cars! She was so cool, and I wanted to be just like her when i grew up!!! I hope you find solace in all the thoughts, prayers and remembrances from those who knew her, and loved her. Sorry i can't make it up there, but please know that i am thinking of you all....
Nancy Sampsell Clune
October 18, 2008
Kerry and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Linda's passing. I haven't seen Linda in a long time, but I have fond High School memories of her.
Kathy Cooper
October 18, 2008
Kerry,
I'm so very sorry for your loss of Linda. I remember when you two eloped to Halafax, NC and the girl with the thick glasses that was one of your witnesses. Linda would laugh everytime she would tell how the girl rode her bike to city hall. Hard to belive that was 40yrs. ago this past July 25. Your toots will be with you always. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love,
Kathy
Marilyn Daniel
October 18, 2008
I only met her one time when I came up North to see my sister Ruth. She was easy to get to know and had an outgoing spirit. I felt like I had knowen her for years. I am so sorry for your loss and I also will miss her.
Stephen Cavaluzzi
October 17, 2008
Linda's telephone number was my "easy" button as well as an ear for me and a genuine voice of friendship. She helped me so much when Mark Gordon passed on. The three of us were a team and I will miss Linda more than I can say. I loved you Linda.
Sally Rice
October 16, 2008
Lori and Kerry,
My son Jason told about the passing of my good friend. I had gotten a voicemail from her back in the month of September this year about Hurricane IKE. I never called her back to let her know we were all right from the storm. I was totally shocked and very saddened. We did not always agree on things, but she would have been there for me no matter what. I will miss her deeply and just try to remember all the good times we had. Me and Lori and Linda were quite the threesome at one time years ago. The Lord will watch over her now and we will all be back together again at some point in our short lives here on this earth.
Take care and all my love,
Sally Rice
jd
October 16, 2008
if we all
only had a friend so strong
to look us in the eye
and tell us when we're wrong
to make us laugh
to make us weep
she told so many of us
its your choice dont be a sheep
she always loved to laugh
she had a delightful gift for gab
and so athletic she was
she even had a pretty good jab
so colorful in life
so apropos she went in fall
a soul so true
one of the rarest of all
--jd
Alexis Bartsch
October 16, 2008
Betty, Mark and entire family of Linda..I am in total shock that such a vibrant and lively person could be taken so quickly from this world! I had the pleasure of playing softball with Linda, and boy could she make you laugh! What a loss to so many. Words cannot express how sad I am, and how bad I feel for your loss. There will definately be a new shining star in the heavens tonight!
Kim Patterson
October 16, 2008
Linda, I can't even imagine not getting a phone call from you and talking about our favorite subject CARS! God blessed us all when they led you to us. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends for the loss such a wonderful person. Look over us Linda and help guide us as you did in life.
Mickey Gordon
October 16, 2008
Kerry, Betty and all,
I am so sorry to hear about Linda. Even if I can't be there, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda was a big part of my life and I will truly miss her, as all will, and as long as I have memories she will never be forgotten. Smooth sailing my friend and say hi to Angie for me.
Your Buddy,
Mickey
Tricia Kennedy
October 15, 2008
I hope the joyful memories of Linda fill the hole in your heart that has been left by her passing. With deepest sympathy.
Jan States
October 14, 2008
Kerry, Family and Friends,
I was so sorry to hear about Linda. Over the years, she became my best friend. I'll miss our frequent phone calls, her sense of humor and her great advice. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
Belva Clark
October 14, 2008
My family met Linda and Carey when he and my Grandmother were in the hospital in 1995. My mom, Janet and Linda soon became friends and remained close all these years. It was a total sad shock when I found out that Linda had gone to be with the Lord. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to her family and close friends.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Linda Wilcox's name
Memorial Events
for Linda Wilcox
How to support Linda's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Linda Wilcox's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
