Linda Cedrone Cox

Linda Cedrone Cox Linda Cedrone Cox died Monday, March 10, 2008. Graveside services will be held in Tallahassee, Fla., today, Thursday, March 13, at 4 p.m. EDT at Roselawn Cemetery in the 800 block of Piedmont Road. Born April 18, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Cox moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1968 after graduating the University of South Carolina. As a junior high English teacher, she became involved in local politics and was the founder and the first President of the Broward County Chapter of the National Organization for Women. Continuing her involvement in politics, she became a legislative aide for Broward State Representative Karen Coolman-Amlong. In 1976, she succeeded Coolman-Amlong to become the second woman elected to the Florida House of Representatives from Broward County. During her three terms in office she championed issues important to the woman and children of Florida. In 1980, she became the first sitting member to give birth while in office to daughter Ryan. In 1982, she entered law school at Nova Southeastern University, where she was on the Law Review. Upon graduation, she moved to Tallahassee to become an attorney/lobbyist. She practiced governmental and administrative law most recently with the Tallahassee based law firm, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. Her client list was extensive and included the cities of Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Okaloosa and Leon counties, as well as the Florida Association of Criminal Defense lawyers. Her tireless commitment and enthusiasm turned her many clients into lifelong friends. Her closest affiliation was with the women friends she acquired during her legislative service and lobbying career. She had a close group of professional women who were fondly referred to by husband Sheldon as "The Witches." Her strong opinions and love of all politics led to many spirited debates with anyone with whom she came in contact. Despite these strong views, Linda was beloved by all and will be sorely missed. Her passions in life included her family, friends, politics, dancing, and her four-legged friends, Dozer and Henry. Linda was devoted to her husband, Sheldon Gusky and daughters, Ryan Cox and Sarah Gusky, and her son Nathan Gusky; brother Tom Cedrone (Fran), cousins, Bruce Desilet (Jane) and Joann Norwood (Bill), and an aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the following: National Organization for Women, National Chapter, 1100 H Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005 (202-628-8669, ext. 105); Noah Paul Gusky Memorial Fund, Congregation Shomrei Torah, 4858 Kerry Forest Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32309; and Echo Outreach Ministries (ECHO), 702 West Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304.