The last time I saw Linda was when she spoke as the valedictorian at the Perry High School graduation in 1969. Linda was popular and respected for her personality, motivation and intelligence.
While we never crossed paths in person after graduation, we kept appraised of each other's lives through FaceBook. Unbeknowst to me, she became aware of the fledgling charity, Aunt Susie's Cancer Wellness Center. She was a classmate of Sue Nixon Darling, for whom the charity was named.
Linda’s path took her to New York City where she became a successful Wall Street attorney. She also found the love of her life, Peter Farranto.
I was not aware of her interest in Aunt Susie's until I received a call from her friend in January 2018. Her friend told me that Linda had lost her own battle with cancer. Through her husband Peter, Linda's path crossed mine again. Her obituary requested "In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Aunt Susie's Cancer Wellness Center".
Her friends have donated several thousand dollars which is a tribute to Linda and Peter and how much their friends respected and loved them. Her request will benefit many women of Stark County who are stricken with cancer and need help.
Linda was a woman I admired in high school and will continue until our paths cross again.