Linda (Kimzey) Stewart
May 2, 1944 - July 19, 2024

On July 19^th 2024, the greatest mom and nana in history, left this earth for her forever home. Linda Diane Kimzey Stewart had lived 80 years and was a cherished treasure to so many. She had raised three perfect children and had helped to raise and spoil generously her six grandchildren. Her grandchildren were so special that they never did anything wrong as she would persuade us of their innocence ferociously with phrases like “he didn’t mean to” or “she just needs to take a nap”.

She was born in 1944 in Hendersonville, NC along with many brothers and sisters who she dearly loved. Linda was the baby girl of her family, her younger brother coming 11 years after her birth. She was also a twin but her twin died within days, both girls born with a heart defect that would require surgery to survive. Her parents were told that Linda would likely not survive to be old enough for surgery.

Around the age of 5, Linda and our grandparents took a trip to Duke medical facility for at that time a very risky surgery. It was the late 1940’s and very few children had survived open heart surgery. Our grandmother was so nervous about the surgery that she “stole” Linda out of the hospital and took her home. Our grandfather ultimately took her back for surgery but our grandmother was no longer allowed at the hospital. Linda became one of the first children to recover from her heart surgery. Two children were scheduled for the surgery that week, only Linda survived. Her scar ran half way down her back and then across like a zipper. The doctors said she would be lucky to live 20 years. We often wonder how surprised they would be to learn she lived another 75 years.

Linda loved to do many things: go to the beach, care for her grandkids and go to yard sales were at the top of her list but running up and down the road visiting relatives and talking was likely her favorite. Nothing made her happier than spreading the news of what everyone was doing so that the family was well informed.

For the last five years Linda has been at an assisted living facility due to major health issues. Even with all those challenges, her phone and Facebook were constant companions.  Her children spoke to her or visited her almost every day of her life and often multiple times a day. Typically, these calls were centered around food that she needed us to bring her. Almost every Friday we had DoorDash sent to her. When we called for her order of the week she would say “we better take a break this week, it’s too expensive” and we would tell her its ok. In that case she would provide a detailed order. “I want a loaded baked potato, slaw, fried shrimp and scallops with tarter and cocktail sauce, a coke and maybe a big slice of cake”. Up until her last day she had food requests – the last food she requested was carrot cake with coconut cream cheese icing, banana pudding, and a barbeque sandwich with coleslaw. She truly enjoyed food.

Even though, we knew she was struggling with health issues the last several years, her death is a shock to our family. She was always overcoming the odds. She battled everything from COPD, Parkinson’s, ovarian cancer, emphysema, COVID (3 times), seizures, a 10-day coma and a ruptured intestine. She had a pacemaker defib installed and completed two rounds of chemotherapy as well as a colostomy. She had to take oxygen anywhere she went and for the last few years she was wheelchair bound. Even still, she was a constant in our lives. We always knew she was there and would be our fiercest supporter no matter the situation. She would ask about each grandchild and she would call and text them often. There is no doubt in her or our children’s minds that she loved us all unconditionally.

Please pray for comfort for her family as we navigate the loss of a true matriarch. If you would like to do something more, please consider donating to any one of the organizations battling the health issues listed above in her name.

Mom, you can rest easy now. We know you are no longer in pain. We love you with our whole hearts.

Don & Kim Hedelund            Kevin & Michelle Stewart                 Chuck & Pam Snow
Kaitlynn                                  Autumn                                               Adriana
Brandon                                  Josh                                                     Mason
Lauryn