Linda Lee Vorwerk

May 19, 1945 – March 31, 2025

Linda Lee (Byrd) Vorwerk, age 79, a resident of Austin since 1968, passed away on March 31, 2025. She was born in Kinston, NC, on May 19, 1945, to the late Paul Sutton and Beulah Mae (Brock) Byrd.

Linda was raised at the Barium Springs Home for Children in Barium Springs, NC, for 13 years, where she was given four years of formal piano lessons, later learning she could play "by ear." She graduated high school in Normal, IL, then spent four years as a medic with the United States Air Force in Orlando, FL, during the Vietnam conflict. During this same time, Linda became one of the first "go-go girls," performing with local bands. Upon leaving the Air Force she moved to Austin, where she worked for the US Postal Service, retiring in 2000. She then became a Registered Massage Therapist for ten years.

In May of 2001, she married Ernest Glenwood Vorwerk, PhD, and founded and operated Bluebyrd Enterprises which included Bluebyrd Massage, Glen's Lifetime Learning classes for Concordia University, and her piano playing for nursing homes in Central Texas. They wrote one book together entitled "Living Life to the Fullest." She also recorded one music CD entitled "With Love, Linda."

Linda enjoyed dancing, singing, gardening, crocheting, cooking, reading, playing piano, and writing letters. She also loved going to concerts by artists like Patti LaBelle, Michael Buble, Pat Benatar, Commodores, Pet Shop Boys, and her final show - Kenny G, where she got to meet him! She was baptized Presbyterian, and was a member of Shepherd of the Hills, where she and Glen were married. She also volunteered for the Austin Battered Women's Shelter, Rape Crisis Center, AIDS Services of Austin, and the Lesbian Gay Pride Commission of Austin.

Linda is survived by her son Nathan (Garcia) Vanden Avond, and his husband Benny Vanden Avond of Austin, sister Shirley (Byrd) Schomisch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her spouse Ernest, parents, sister Peggy (Byrd) Brooks, and brother Douglas Byrd.

Linda donated her body to UTMB, Galveston.

A memorial for Linda will be held from 10-11 AM on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Weed Corley Fish, 5416 Parkcrest, Austin, TX 78731.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Austin.