Linda Ann Mathisen

After nearly an eight year battle with cancer, Linda Ann Mathisen, 73, passed away in peace at home with her loving husband at her side. She was born January 19, 1944 in Lorain, Ohio to the late Carl and Mary Elizabeth (Caffo) Russell. She graduated from Vermilion High School and attended Kent State University and Cleveland State Community College. She married Mark E Mathisen February 20, 1971 in Lakewood, Ohio and raised 2 sons Mark Scott and Paul Edward. During their marriage they moved twelve times including a 2 year assignment in Brussels, Belgium. Upon Mark’s retirement from corporate life in 2004, their 2nd home in Venice, Fl became their full time residence. Both sons soon followed, relocating to the area. She took on each relocation as a fun new adventure for the family, always providing a loving caring home no matter what the challenge. In her spare time, she utilized her significant artistic talents to create wonderful ceramic pieces, stained glass objects, miniature creations, glass bead necklaces and bracelets and beautiful quilts of all sizes. She was very active in local sewing, quilting and beading groups as well as the Venice Quilters Guild serving at one time as 2nd Vice President. Linda also over the years learned to be an excellent first mate as they cruised and fished on the New England, Carolina and Florida coasts. Linda retired from boating when her husband developed new fishing buddies upon retirement. She was a loving, generous, caring person with a zest for life. She always had a smile and positive attitude in spite of the health challenges she faced daily in her battle with cancer. Linda was truly a courageous, strong woman who was an inspiration to anyone who had the privilege to know her. She is survived by her loving husband Mark, her 2 sons, Paul Edward and Mark Scott (Kelli) and, 2 grand daughters Ava Marie and Taryn Elizabeth who will dearly miss Nana, 2 sisters Cathy Bias (Wetzel) and Mary Lee Minor (William). A 3rd sister Carole Beth Russell predeceased her. A ""Celebration of Life"" will be held for Linda on June 21, from 10am – noon at the Venice Golf and Country Club, 250 Venice Golf Club Drive, Venice, FL 34292. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Linda can be made to: Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, PO Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33623-3827 or Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 Service Information Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Venice Golf and Country Club Address: 250 Venice Golf Club Drive, , Venice, FL , 34292 | Map