Linda J. Lefeat

Linda Lefeat’s life was anything but easy, yet it was characterized by unwavering determination, resilience, generosity, and an unyielding love for her family. Born in Washington in July 1945, Linda’s childhood was marked by profound loss. Her father passed away when she was very young, and while her mother dedicated herself to nursing school and served in Vietnam, Linda spent part of her childhood in a Catholic boarding school, which proved to be particularly challenging. These early experiences instilled in her a fierce independence and determination that would carry her through the obstacles that lay ahead.

As a teenager, Linda became a mother and tragically lost her hand in an underage factory accident. Despite this setback, she refused to let it define her.

Raising her sons as a single mother and relying on public assistance to make ends meet, Linda persevered and pursued her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Nursing was more than just a profession to her; it was a calling. She found immense pride in her work and dedicated herself to providing compassionate care to her patients.

One particularly difficult chapter in her life occurred in 1975 when a devastating flood forced her and her four young sons from their home. With the help of her community, they found temporary housing, but they had to stay in different homes for weeks, a heartbreak that she faced with unwavering determination. Through her parenting, Linda instilled in her children survival skills, the ability to hustle, hard work, and determination. They developed street smarts and, through her influence, were able to raise wonderful children of their own.

Even during times of financial hardship, she ensured her children were never hungry. She possessed a remarkable talent for transforming whatever ingredients were available into delicious meals, particularly her signature goulash. When the checks arrived, she would serenade her children with the upbeat tune “We’re in the Money,” turning a challenging reality into a moment of pure joy for them.

Her interests extended beyond cooking and finances. She had a passion for gardening, reading, especially Stephen King, and back in the day, she was an avid reader of the comic book MAD Magazine. Additionally, she enjoyed watching the television show M* A* S* H, collecting stamps, and saving matchbooks from her travels—a habit she had inherited from her mother. Among her rare indulgences was the pleasure of savoring Mrs. See’s candies.

It is highly probable that her grandchildren, in particular, fondly recall the dress-up parties, cookie baking sessions, and the enchanting and occasionally uniquely memorable Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners she hosted. Her infectious sense of humor and love for laughter were truly captivating.

This is not a narrative of an idyllic life, but rather a tribute to a remarkable woman who faced adversity with unwavering determination and infused her family’s lives with an abundance of love, laughter, traditions, and cherished memories. Her legacy will be deeply missed by her sons, grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her resilience, humor, and unconditional love will continue to resonate in the lives of those she touched.