Linda M. LaFave, age 75, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at her home with her husband at her side.
Linda was born on January 11, 1948, in Hazel Park, MI, the daughter of Donald Joseph and Anita Marie (Racicot) Campbell. Linda was raised in Hazel Park and was a Class of 1966 graduate of Hazel Park High School. Linda then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University. On October 3, 1987, she was united in marriage to Patrick LaFave, and together they spent 35 wonderful years making memories.
She worked for most of her life in Healthcare Financial Management. She first worked for the University of Michigan, then University of Missouri, Methodist Health Systems in Memphis, TN, and retired from Good Samaritan/Banner Health Systems in Phoenix, AZ. She was also a past member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. She enjoyed her work and had many great stories to accompany her time working. Linda had a passion for genealogy. She was the go-to person for all things family history and genealogy. She also loved traveling and had a collection of beach sand from all her travels. But most of all, she loved her family and friends deeply. Linda will be truly missed by so many.
Linda is survived by her dear husband, Patrick LaFave, brothers Thomas (Stacey) Campbell and Gary (Cathy) Campbell, nieces and nephews Elizabeth (Jerry) Rowden, Parker, Barret, and Daniel Campbell, Rebecca (Joe) LeMire, Nichole Gobert Joseph Couillard, Jerremy (Gina)Couillard, CJ Syers, grand niece Landie Rowden, sisters-in-law Mary LaFave, Barbara LaFave Boor, Tina (Clint) Syers, and Theresa LaFave, brother-in-law Michael (Diane) LaFave, as well as numerous cousins.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Anita Campbell, father-in-law and mother-in-law Patrick W. and Dorothy LaFave.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to a charity of choice.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 1 PM to 3 PM. Funeral services honoring Linda will follow visitation at 3 PM with Rev. Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. Linda will be laid to rest in Fernwood Cemetery, Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaFave family.
Gail - Livonia, Mi
Linda was one of the most wonderful women I have known. She had a spirit of adventure and of travel that she passed on to me. She also had a grand sense of humor; we laughed so much together. Linda was a kind soul who reached out to many. My heart is full and I will always love my cousin.
Ingrid & John Balinski - Niagara Falls, Ontario, On
Linda, a kind and gentle presence in my life, a true friend.
We met in our twenties while traveling with other friends, in Aruba. Linda from Michigan, me from Ontario.
Linda loved to have fun. Her laugh was genuine & distinctive.
As young women we were enthusiastic adventurers, planning our next trip while still in the present one. We lived in different countries but managed to see one another often.
Together we experienced: floating, rafting, sailing, swimming, beaching, skiing, touring, climbing, hiking, camping, ballooning, observing, partying, dancing, walking, talking, laughing, celebrating, hosting, supporting, comforting & crying…
We stood alongside each other when she married Pat and a few years later I married John. We were both fortunate with our choice in husbands.
Linda was accomplished in her accounting career and retired early. More time for her and Pat to enjoy the Arizona life and travel together.
Linda made friends easily and forever. Our friends and families intertwined making our lives richer.
John and I had our final goodbye with Linda in Gladstone as her well-lived life was ending.
Linda, I’m thankful for the gift of you, my faithful friend. May your soul rest peacefully.
Love, Ingrid & John
Donna Folcik - Gladstone, MI
Pat, I’m so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I will be out of town so will not be able to talk with you on Saturday. I always admired Linda’s quiet strength and adventurous spirit. Prayers to all of you who loved her and will miss her.
Kay Maez - Surprise, Az
I’m so shocked to hear of Linda’s passing. She was always the super friendly, laughing, & caring neighbor who gifted us with many a cranberry bread loaf. Wow, I will miss her occasional phone call & her happy spirit. She made this world a better place. God rest her beautiful soul.
Jane Atzinger - Lindale , Tx
Linda was a very special person. Our friendship goes way back and although many miles were between us, the friendship was always there. She had a gift to keep friends even though the years passed. She loved to travel and share her experiences. There are happy memories to cherish through our friendship. She will be truly missed by many.
C. Bernard - DeTour Village, MI
I’m going to miss Linda’s laugh, most of all! It matched her stature! So hearty, a laugh that came all the up from her toes! She was as tall as I am short, & I loved how every single time we would hug, she’d bend way down to make it more comfortable for me! : )
Den & I always enjoyed our time with Pat & Linda. Especially our visit with them at their home in Arizona! They treated us like royalty, but I could have done with a few less burritos! I’m sure she’s found the perfect one in heaven!
Condolences to all of Linda’s family & friends, most especially Pat.
Rest in Peace Linda.
Love, Cheryl & Dennis
Sharron Hellums - Jackson, TN
Oh what a loss to this world, Linda and I met while working together at Methodist Health Systems in Memphis. We became friends instantly and enjoyed the many friends we shared in the Methodist Health Systems group. When she married Pat and moved to Arizona I really missed her but after she settled I traveled to Arizona and she and Pat took me on a great Arizona vacation. She loved to travel and share her knowledge of the areas we visited. Later when I married, she and Pat spent time with my husband and me in Jackson, TN. Linda made friends for life and loved life but her most endearing quality was her infectious laugh. I will always remember her and the many happy times we shared. Pat and family so very sorry for your loss.
Marie Auger-Andrews - Rancho Mirage, CA
My cousin; our mothers were sisters, her parents were my godparents, and mine were hers. Throughout our lives, she always showed up for me and for my family and for that alone, my love for her is even greater.
There are so many stories of family memories, from our grandparents farm rummaging for potatoes in the ground, cleaning all (I mean ALL the green onions) on Thanksgiving day, to camping on Lake Superior and pretending the water was perfect.
Then there is the ‘boogey-man’, who lived at the family house in Hazel Park. We looked for him and couldn’t actually find him, but somehow he moved upstairs to her closet in her brand new bedroom, where we tossed and turned all night wondering when this creature would appear.
A fun memory is of her cracking a laugh at a lime green jacket and matching shoes hanging in my closet. She’d say “really?” Then begin her wonderful gleeful laugh.
She was one of those rare souls that when you spoke with her regardless of the depth of the conversation, you found yourself laughing and finding the humor in life’s many twists.
Pat you were the best thing that ever happened to her. God bless you for your love for her, my cousin, my friend, my big sister.
She knew how I loved her.
Don and Rose Auger - Troy , Mi
Linda will always hold a very special place in our hearts. She was always smiling and inviting! We loved our times with her. She passed on so much family history with stories and pictures! She was amazing!! She will be missed, there are tears in our soul.. Love!
Margie Sokalski Lisius - Redford, MI
My memories of Linda are few but full of laughter. We met when we were both going to be bridesmaids in (my sister) Cathy and Gary’s wedding. Linda is very tall. I am not. It was hilarious to try on the same dresses, have them come half way to Linda’s knees but pool on the floor around me. She was kind and gracious and had a beautiful smile. We saw her at Beth and Jerry’s wedding it seems like not too long ago but it was two years! Pat, we wish you peace.
Janet Kalishek - Bartlett, TN
Linda and I shared a fun interest in the shows Survivor and Amazing Race.We would talk every week and analyze each episode with a lot of laughter.Also we spent a lot of time with them in Arizona.Then Strawberry season was something fun that she loved.Having my dear friend gone is something that will take some time to accept.Pat,can’t wait to be able to hug ,soon.