Linda J. Martin, 70, of Hoopeston, Illinois, passed away October 8, 2023. Linda was born on January 19, 1953, in DeKalb, Illinois to Richard (Dick) and Evelyn (Hofer) Martin. They preceded her in death.
Linda is survived by two sons, Sean (Bianca) Danner of Madison, Wisconsin and Scot Danner of Catlin, Illinois. She was the proud grandmother of Madison, Ella, Felix, and Gemma Danner. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and one of her greatest sources of pride was seeing her sons become loving fathers. She treasured the long-awaited role of grandma and had kept her favorite books, toys, and activities from teaching and parenting to share with them.
She was the oldest of four siblings. She enjoyed leading the way and looking out for her younger siblings early in life, and she relished in her big sis role later in life. She is survived by sisters Carol (Shari Grote) Martin of Minneapolis, MN and Donna (Sarah Reckmeyer) Martin of Ottawa, IL, and a brother, David (Brenda Villa) Martin of Cincinnati, OH.
Linda is also survived by several other important people who she “adopted” as family: Norene Harrison, her longtime “Little Sister” of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Christy Mielke, friend of Carol’s who became another sister; Marie Hespel, exchange student daughter from Belgium; and José Cabrera and Egyptian Banks, both “Little Brothers” of David.
Linda grew up on the Iroquois side of the county line road and attended Wellington Schools through 9th grade. Her family moved to Maple View Farm north of Hoopeston, and she graduated from Hoopeston High School in 1971. One of her fondest memories of high school was the camaraderie she shared with fellow members of the Hoopeston HS Marching Band.
Linda earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University then began her teaching career in Danville. For the majority of her career, she was the Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Maple School in Hoopeston, during which she earned a Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She was a champion for young children who needed extra support as they entered school.
Throughout her career, Linda was active in the Hoopeston Education Association and Hoopeston Music Boosters. She was a teacher in the Hoopeston summer school for children of migrant workers. She was also a member of education organizations Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma. Upon her graduation from Eastern Illinois University, she earned a special award as an outstanding teacher of early childhood education. Linda was a Cornjerker through and through.
A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston, Linda served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, and Deacon. She also sang in the church choir and rang in the handbell choir. This church has been her spiritual home and community.
Linda loved sharing a meal with friends, especially on Friday nights with the “teachers group.” Although she experienced many health challenges, she rarely missed the opportunity to attend a concert, meet her friends, chase hot air balloons, or take a drive to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Linda had a resilient spirit. If it’s true that a person shows us who they really are in crisis, in her last year, she revealed just how big her heart was and modeled how to keep on going even when the going gets tough. Her passing leaves a big hole in the lives of her family and friends. In Linda’s memory, please take a moment to help someone who needs an extra boost.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Hoopeston, 915 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Judi Geistlinger officiating. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Youth Group (Hoopeston), Hoopeston Area Music Boosters, or the Early Childhood Program at Maple Grade School (Hoopeston).
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Linda’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
