Linda (Marks) Woodrow
December 26, 1940–April 4, 2021
Beloved and loving mother and wife, educator, entrepreneur. Linda Woodrow, 80, of Okemos Michigan, passed away in her home on April 4th. She passed peacefully with Michael, her husband of nearly 60 years, and her children Deena Wierzbicki and Allan (Lauren) by her side. She is also survived by grandchildren Alyssa and Kyle Wierzbicki, Madelyn and Amelia.
Linda, the only daughter of Irving and Kate Marks, grew up in New York City, where she earned her BS in education from CCNY. Later, she received an MA in Reading Instruction from Michigan State University. She spent the majority of her long teaching career in the Dansville School District as a Reading Specialist/Consultant and as a Reading and English Teacher for the middle school. Her nearly forty years in the district included Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008.
Linda was dedicated to the field of education, and her many accomplishments included founding United Scholastic Services, editing a variety of newsletters for parents of young children and educators, was a past President of the Capital Area Reading Council, and former Treasurer of the Ingham County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Linda also selflessly volunteered for many organizations including Shaarey Zedek Congregation and Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the latter of which she was on the Board of Women’s Managers and past Chairperson of the Archives Committee.
But Linda will best be remembered not for her many accomplishments but for the love she left behind, including the love others felt for her. She was a caring and devoted parent and wife, and passionate about supporting her friends and family, especially in times of need.
She also enjoyed fine dining, regularly attended the symphony and theater, was easily absorbed by word puzzles and reading, and adored socializing with her friends.
Linda’s funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 6th at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan. In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made in memory of Linda Woodrow to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Sparrow Hospital (Lansing, Michigan) or Shaarey Zedek Congregation (East Lansing, Michigan). Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
24 Messages to “Linda (Marks) Woodrow”
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Elizabeth Morley
April 5, 2021 at 12:19 pmI will miss my dear, sweet friend.
Steven L Marvin
April 5, 2021 at 12:37 pmLinda will truly be missed by all such a wonderful person.
Roz and Bob Alperstein
April 5, 2021 at 2:51 pmLinda was our dear and much loved sister-in-law. She was truly the most thoughtful and kind person we have known. We will remember most all our many shared happy celebrations and our wonderful trips and cruises that brought laughter, joy, and great food and wine.
Jeremy Cohn
April 5, 2021 at 3:11 pmI always remember Linda as being such a kind person!
Suzanne Cohn and Family
April 5, 2021 at 5:38 pmLinda was a wonderful and caring person, she will be missed. All our love and thoughts to the Woodrow family during this time.
Jill Rycus
April 5, 2021 at 5:45 pmOh, I will miss seeing Linda on her daily walks around the neighborhood. She was a wonderful support to me when I served as Education Director at the temple. Praying for all who feel this great loss.
Alice Peck
April 5, 2021 at 6:00 pmLinda was a wonderful and sweet person, I will miss her.
Angela St.Amant
April 5, 2021 at 7:17 pmI worked with Linda at Dansville and she was my mentor when I was first hired, now nearly 20 years ago. She was so knowledgeable and willing to help. She spent many hours with me before and after school supporting me and helping me to be a better educator, and through that she also became a friend. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing! She will be missed.
Joan Lemon
April 5, 2021 at 8:02 pmI’m sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I taught with her at Dansville Elementary. She was easy and fun to work with and enjoyed having such a wonderful professional on our team.
Rest In Peace. Joan Lemon
David Sheathelm
April 5, 2021 at 8:11 pmA marvelous and unequaled teacher, colleague, and person. We in Dansville were all better because of her. Godspeed old friend.
Sara Oesterle
April 5, 2021 at 9:01 pmI am so sad to hear of Linda’s passing. Linda’s reading classroom was directly across from my 5th grade classroom and I always enjoyed our morning chats. Throughout the years, I learned so much from Linda. She was a wonderful teacher and friend.
Gabrielle Simeck
April 5, 2021 at 10:04 pmMrs. Woodrow was my reading teacher at Dansville Elementary. I remember her kind smile and supportive teaching style. She helped me fall in love with reading, a gift I won’t ever forget. Keeping her family in my thoughts.
Robin Baer
April 6, 2021 at 7:02 amThe Love Linda had for her Family was so strong! Along with her Friends and all any task she took on. Very loving and sweet person. She loved what she did. Did it well! I will miss her stories and energy every week.
Sending Love to the Family!
Robin @douglasj
Martie Repaskey
April 6, 2021 at 7:06 amLinda will long be remembered as a gifted teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend in Dansville. With her great soul and huge heart, Linda made a difference!
Gloria Epstein
April 6, 2021 at 7:24 amI met Linda at Line Dancing and we became friends. She called me regularly during the pandemic to check on me. A wonderful person. What a loss.
Robin Alperstein
April 6, 2021 at 11:45 amI am incredibly saddened by Linda’s passing and by how swiftly it occurred. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel comfortable, seen, heard, and safe. She was just so warm and empathic and kind, with a deep generosity of spirit. She had a sort of cosiness about her that invited confidences and so no matter how much time might elapse between seeing her it was as if you’d last seen her the day before. She was a gift and I am so sorry for this loss, especially for Michael, Deena, Allan, Lauren, Alyssa, Kyle, Madelyn, Emmy, and my parents. May her memory be a blessing.
Mike & Ellen Saichek
April 6, 2021 at 1:20 pmAllan (& Lauren) – we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sending you love, strength, and warm thoughts through this difficult time.
-Mike & Ellen.
JOANN DEPEEL
April 6, 2021 at 8:58 pmI volunteered to help students in Linda’s reading class. She was always encouraging her students to be their very best. My grandson was one of her students. His reading skills improved significantly because of her talent as an educator. I always enjoyed discussing books over lunches with her. She was a kind and gentle soul. She will be missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda’s family.
Sue Lucian
April 6, 2021 at 9:14 pmI worked side by side Linda at Dansville Middle School. I was only there a very short time, but Linda welcomed me whole-heartedly. She helped me get acclimated and for that I will always be grateful. Rest peacefully, Linda.
Sue Lucian
Dottie Spousta
April 7, 2021 at 9:12 amI was Linda’s mentor when she joined the Women’s Board of Managers at Sparrow, and then took over the Chair of the Sparrow Archives Committee and served ably on the Sparrow Heritage Hall Committee. Her dedication to detail, her organizational skills and her efficient and caring demeanor, blessed all who worked with her. Linda was a dear friend, who sent thoughtful handwritten notes, flowers, and picked up the check when lunching out. Her stories of family, and her beloved grandchildren, made clear, that they remained her #1 priority. Linda was beloved by all who had the pleasure of her multiple talents. Her legacy will continue through her family and friends.
Pat Lesser
April 7, 2021 at 1:32 pmLinda was the first friend that I had when I moved to Florida 50 years ago. Linda and Mike helped us find our home here. They moved away and we stayed in Florida. Linda always stayed in touch with me after my husband passed away 25 years ago. I will miss her warm greetings. Love, hugs, and prayers for the family.
Kandy Bauet
April 7, 2021 at 7:08 pmMy condolences go out to Linda’s family that was near and dear to her heart. She talked of you often with a twinkle in her eye. I worked with Linda at Dansville Schools. She was dedicated to her profession. Linda devoted herself to helping and befriending others. I enjoyed her tremendously and will miss her spunky personality! Rest In Peace. You lived life well my friend.
Melissa Sherry
April 8, 2021 at 11:13 pmLinda was such a joy. Every moment I had with her at Sparrow, she was always happy and joyful. She was amazing! She did a newsletter for the surgical lounge and later lead the archives committee.
I truly have missed her since last year and was so sad to hear she was sick. I had no idea she was going to leave us so soon.
Colleen Graczyk
April 12, 2021 at 1:40 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the entire family and I hope you find strength knowing there are many friends holding you in our thoughts and prayers.