Linda Jean Towsley's Obituary
Linda Jean Towsley, 92, passed away Friday, August 26, 2022, at Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne. Born in Payne, OH, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Edith (Yearling) Durre. She graduated from Hicksville High School, Hicksville, OH and attended the Capital University, Columbus, OH. Her many accomplishments included Mrs. Fort Wayne 1955, President of New Haven Parent Teacher’s Association, honored with the Golden Apple Award twice for tutoring elementary school children, Eastern Star vocalist, American Business Women’s Association, President of New Haven Women’s Club, Children’s Choir Director at St. James Lutheran Church. An accomplished vocalist, she sang for weddings and churches with her sister Carole accompanying her on the organ. She volunteered for the New Haven Clothing Bank. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and previously attended St. James Lutheran Church, New Haven, where she was a founding member. Linda would say her biggest accomplishment was being a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed the lake and traveling, and hospitality was her gift she loved to share. She is survived by her children, Steven Towsley, Bruce (Renee) Towsley and Dr. Amy Gilbert all of Fort Wayne; brother, Ted (Janet) Durre; grandchildren, Kurt Towsley, Dr. Andrew (Darcy) Gilbert, Ashley (Colin) Guntle, Allison Towsley, Julia (Brian) Holder, David (Stacy) Gilbert and John (Bethany) Gilbert; great grandchildren, Rebekah Towsley, J.J. Towsley, Isaac Guntle, Cooper Guntle, Braydon Guntle; Logan (Kali) Gilbert, Mason Gilbert, Simon Gilbert, Camryn Gilbert, Jorja Gilbert and Harrison Gilbert. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Harold Towsley in 2019; her son-in-law, Ron Gilbert; and siblings, John Durre, and Carole McDonald.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 7211 Stellhorn Rd, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Tim Graham officiating. Visitation is also 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Burial in Concordia Gardens, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials are to Messiah Lutheran Church, the Linda J. Towsley Memorial Fund.
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