Linda A. Varda

Linda was born Sept. 15, 1960, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late Edwin and Ann (Poloha) Johnson. Linda attended school in Kingsford, and then Norway, graduating from Norway High School in 1978. She went on to continue her education at Northern Michigan University studying clothing and textiles, graphic design, and marketing.

Linda married the love of her life, Robert S. Varda, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain on Sept. 21, 1991, wearing her mother’s vintage wedding dress. Together Linda and Rob spent 28 years together. They enjoyed going for day rides with friends in search of treasures like vintage textiles, antique China, and glassware, which Linda used to decorate their home.

Linda and Rob traveled with family taking trips to Florida and other southern get away locations. She also enjoyed spending time at their camp in Vulcan, which she decorated in a rustic vintage flair using treasures she and Rob found along the way.

Linda and Rob became cat fans, and rescued a few from the shelter, after Tigger showed up in the parking lot following dinner one evening at Romagnoli’s. Perhaps that is why Tigger enjoyed eating spaghetti.

Linda spent 20 years working as a legal secretary at Brouillette Law Office before moving on to Bay College. There she worked as a student coordinator, doing her favorite thing, assisting students, for over 20 years. She retired from Bay College in March, due to her illness.

Linda was an old movie, especially old black and white movies, fan. She knew all the stars and marveled at the vintage clothing designs worn in the shows. She put her textile and design interests and skills to good use when crafting, sewing, making custom cross stich designs, and knitting.

Linda enjoyed watching birds at her backyard feeders, hosting friends for board game or card nights, going shopping, and she loved watching her Packers.

Family and friends would like to thank Linda’s cousin, Mary Beth Edwards, her husband, Lincoln, and their daughter, Amy Johnson, for stepping up and caring for Linda during her illness. Linda was surrounded by the love of family and friends to the end.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, Linda (Mike) Kosovec; a niece, Michelle Barrows (Nathan), two grand nieces, Linnea and Laurel; a brother-in-law, Gary (Carol) Varda; an aunt, Arletta Meysembourg; and many cousins.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and a niece, Lauren.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 14, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park on Monday, June 16, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Almost Home Animal Shelter in Quinnesec.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Linda A. Varda online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain, with the arrangements.