Linda McKenzie
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On October 15, 2018 @ 1:04 pm In Obituaries | 8 Comments
Linda McKenzie, age 55, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at her Prior Lake home. On April 22, 1963 in Virginia, MN, Linda Jeanette was born to parents, Daniel and Beatrice (Primeau) McKenzie. The seventh of eight children, she grew up in Virginia with siblings, Barbara, Marilyn, Neil, Gail, Dan, Deb and Peter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 19th at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Xavier Goulet will preside. Urn bearers will be best friends Deanne, Sue and Cheryl. She will be laid to rest with her parents at Calvary Cemetery in Virginia, MN, on Saturday, October 20, at 2:00 pm. Please wear pink or purple to honor Linda’s favorite colors.
From the time she was a little girl, Linda lived life to the fullest. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laugh, and she enjoyed people of all ages. Linda had an amazing way of connecting with others. Her caring, nurturing, empathic and welcoming personality was felt by those Linda touched. It didn’t matter who you were, she wanted to be part of your life, as she always saw the good in others.
In high school, Linda was a cheerleader and the life of the party. Graduating in 1981 from Roosevelt High School, Linda furthered her education at Bemidji State University before transferring to St. Cloud to complete a degree in cosmetology. During her years as a cosmetologist, Linda enjoyed interaction with customers young and old. Her great personality later led to work as an office manager, with Linda ending her career in the HR department at Despatch Industries in Lakeville.
Linda’s biggest passion in life was her family. She married Scott Sinjem on August 20, 1994 and they were blessed with two children, Hannah and Sam. Linda adored and loved being a mother. Hannah and Sam were her light and joy! As a family, they enjoyed trips and summer vacations to cabins up north. Countless hours were spent boating, fishing, swimming and exploring the local shops. Linda and Scott were together for over 20 years before their marriage ended.
In 2014, Linda met her life partner, Robert Benton. Over the next four years, Linda and Robert devoted themselves to each other. They enjoyed similar interests including movies, dancing, and listening to music. Linda and Robert loved the long conversations they shared while telling childhood stories and reminiscing about the day’s adventures, always with lots of laughter. It was around this same time that Linda was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Since her original diagnosis, Robert devoted his time to caring for Linda throughout the progression of her ALS. Since first meeting, they never spent an entire day apart and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Linda was the light of Robert’s life.
Every day was a joy for Linda. She always managed to look her best while maintaining a meticulous home and caring for her family and adored dog, Buddy. Linda loved celebrations and holidays, especially Christmas. She was great at decorating, baking, entertaining, and shopping for others. She had so much more to give in life, but now family and friends are left to carry on her legacy. Linda would want everyone to be kind to one another and accept everyone for who they are. Linda and Robert often said “Lets have a good day” which are simple words that mean so much.
Linda will be forever loved and missed by children, Hannah and Sam; life partner, Robert Benton; siblings, Barbara (Michael) Fiola, Marilyn (Michael) Miller, Neil (Kathy) McKenzie, Gail (David) Lind, Dan McKenzie, Deb McKenzie, Peter (Carol) McKenzie; numerous nieces and nephews; best friends, Deanne Butorac, Sue Borchert, and Cheryl Failor; and many other relatives and friends. A special thank you goes to the staff at the University of Minnesota ALS clinic, as well as the Fairview Hospice staff.
There to greet Linda home in eternal peace are her parents, Daniel and Beatrice.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served the McKenzie and Sinjem family.
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Marilyn, so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. I did not see you at our class reunion this summer. Prsyers and thoughts to you and your family.
Heaven must have needed more laughter because that is the first thing I thought of when I saw
Linda’s picture in the paper today – she is so funny and has the best laugh. I haven’t seen Linda in
years but reading her obituary was such a tribute to her – her children are definitely blessed to
have a mama like her. Whenever it’s my time to go to Heaven I will just listen for her laugh to
find her
Tracy ( Hill ) Habermann Class of 81
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all family and friends. May all families look forward to a time in the near future when death will be no more and all sickness will be done away with. Isaiah 25:8 and 33:24. Knowing that there is an opportunity to be reunited with loved ones.
I’m so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was such a kind and caring women and she loved her family! She was a wonderful co-worker and always brightened up everyone’s day at Despatch! Prayers to you all,
Hannah, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I’m glad I got to meet her when I lived at Grainwood. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers…
My deepest sympathies to Sam and Hannah. Your mother was a beautiful woman. I remember her continual cheerfulness. She was very supportive of me as a teacher. May she Rest In Peace and May you, too, find peace.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mom/ sister. Your mom and I went to high school together and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, MN in 1981. I know she will be truly missed and will always be remembered. My most sincere condolences to all of you.
Lori (Johnson) Cease
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My deepest sympathy to Linda’s family. We are shocked to hear she is gone. Linda holds many dear memories in my heart as my own dear sister Bonnie’s (Chida/Wabik) best friend in high school. My mom would say tell Linda to come over and make me laugh!!! Linda was so loved by all of us. We lost Bonnie in 2012 at 48 years old to Breast cancer. I know Bonnie was joyfully waiting for Linda at the gates of heaven. We will never forget Linda and we hold her memory in our heart. We pray Gods supernatural peace and grace over the family. Much love Tracy B