Linda LaRae Cassidy

Linda LaRae Cassidy was born on August 7th, 1952 and passed away on September 21, 2023. Her final days could only be described as magical as her loved ones sang, danced and told stories by her side. She is survived by her loving husband Jonathan, her eleven children, Jonathan, Rebecca (Rhett), Rachel (Mike), Steven (Becky), Alison (Kerry), Nathaniel, Colleen, Joshua (Kalina), Caleb (Sara), Abigail (Chris) and Samuel (Natalie), her five siblings Brenda, Lydia, Cherrie, Jim and Mark, her 26 grandchildren and her five great grandchildren.

Linda was a blessing to all that knew her. She spent much of her time giving back to others. She was a proud teachers aide for many years with the Fox River Grove school district. She loved each student as if they were her own child and took great pride in creating lasting relationships. Each year she would read the children her favorite book “The Outsiders.” She would often have past students show up at her home just so they could spend time with her. She also was a long time bible study teacher at her local church. Spreading the gospel to children was one of her greatest joys.

Besides spending time with her community, she had a long standing group of forever friends that proudly named themselves the “red hat ladies.” Linda was always one to show others how to have fun and look for the good in everyone. Even as she battled and eventually beat breast cancer, her witty and generous personality was steadfast. She was often the friend that one would call when they needed a faithful confidante to pray with. You could count on her for a late night game of Skipbo or a fun argument about how Pepsi is much better than Coca Cola. She could make anyone laugh with her strong sense of humor.

Linda spent 51 wonderful years married to the love of her life, Jonathan. She had many blessings throughout her life but to her, the biggest blessing of all was her huge family. She took such pride in being close to all of her children and grandchildren. She never let a holiday go by without a party filled with plenty of food and games. She put effort into plays and songs for all to enjoy. Christmas was the most magical time of year to her as she would always put so much thought into each gift she gave. She was also incredible at crochet, teaching classes and making baby blankets for any new baby that was born in the family. She loved road trips with her grandkids and creating songs along the way, talking about fairies with the children in her beloved fairy garden, doing puzzles with anyone that wanted to lend an extra set of eyes and was a fierce protector of every single member of her family. She had immense pleasure in talking to others about her children, grandchildren and all of her nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to ask that you take the time to “Live like Linda.” Do something kind for someone today or as we approach the holiday season, spoil a family in need. Even in her final days she expressed the importance of kindness. Her compassionate heart is irreplaceable and will be severely missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Russell and Joyce Osburne and her little brother Rusty.

A wake will be held at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave. (Rt. 176), Crystal Lake, on  Wednesday, September 27th from 4-8 PM. The funeral will be held the next day, September 28th at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 Algonquin Rd, South Barrington, inside the Chapel at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.