Linda R. Stearns
Linda Ruth (Hoffman) Stearns, age 78, of Oak Lawn, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on September 11, 2025. She passed peacefully, surrounded in God’s presence and the love of her children.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Hoffman, and her sister, Carol Clarke. Loving and devoted mother of Gail Stearns-Hussein and Charles Peer. Her love extended beyond her own children, as she was a second mother to Lisa Hawley and Eileen Rowland. Cherished grandmother of Remington and Elliyah Hussein; Steven Hawley; Kaitlin (Cody) Lakner; Lucas and Joseph Hawley, and Aubree Lloyd. Proud great-grandmother of Hailey and Hayden Lakner.
Dear cousin to John (Sharon) Molton, George (Jean) Molton, and Dottie (Robert) Tishey. Linda was also a beloved godmother.
A devoted and unconditional friend, she lived a life that exemplified kindness, selflessness, and generosity extending not only to her closest friends but also to strangers. A true humanitarian at heart, Linda touched countless lives and leaves behind the legacy of being the most extraordinary friend anyone could ever ask for.
Former Fan Club President for: Sonny and Cher, The Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron and the Grassroots. Beloved fan and longtime friend of The Beach Boys and Mike Clifford.
Active in her community, she was a devoted member of the South Cook MS Support Group. In addition, Linda loved her country and had great respect for Veterans and Honor Flight Chicago, a passion that was such a big part of who she was.
A member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Linda was a woman of profound faith. She was a true servant, trusting God completely and serving him with her whole heart. Jesus was her best friend.
She endured 42 years of illnesses with extraordinary grace and complete confidence in God, never forsaking him or questioning him. Her devotion to doing his work remained steadfast. Every action reflected his plan, and she believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. She lived entirely for God, pushing beyond her own suffering to share his message with others. Whenever a question or concern arose in life, Linda would remind us: “Give it to God, for he is in control and can do all things but fail.”
A special thank you to her faithful friends: Gary Callahan, Sona Diorio, Judy Phelan, Linda Smialek, and Charmaine Verbeek who consistently visited, offered a helping hand, and surrounded her with support during her most trying days.
Linda’s family is sincerely grateful for the phenomenal caregivers who attended to her with such love and compassion through the years.
We are profoundly thankful to Sawsan (Sue) Salm who for four years cared for her with extraordinary devotion, love, respect and compassion, giving her the best care we could have ever hoped for. We will be forever grateful, and you always will be part of our family.
Thank you to Ryan Howell, who cared for both Linda and Charlie for so many years.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Northwestern Medicine Home Care and Hospice to: Eunice, Cindy, and Maya for their many years of amazing care and to Celeste and Barbara who lovingly cared for her in her final days. The presence of these five extraordinary women was a true blessing and brought comfort to both her and our family.
Funeral Monday, September 22nd, 9:00 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church for Services at 10:00 am.
Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery.
Visitation Sunday, September 21st from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Misericordia.