Linda Taché

Linda Taché, age 61, of Holly, Michigan, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 16th, 2022, after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Looking back at Linda’s life, it is easy to see she lived a life full of love. Everyone who knew her could attest to the kindness and empathy that permeated everything she did.

Linda was welcomed into the world on New Year’s Eve, 1960 to Larry and Helen Fleck in East Lansing, Michigan. She grew up in Warren, Michigan with her six siblings. Linda met her husband, John Taché, in 1977 when both were still in high school. While working at a White Castle restaurant, John was given the opportunity to train one of the two newly hired young ladies. He said to his boss that he would do it, but only if he got to choose which one. He chose Linda. She would often remember meeting her husband and remark on her first impression. “He had a really good butt,” she would say with a smile.

Linda was a creative and athletic child. She played varsity softball at Mott High School in Warren. She would constantly draw and paint. Linda also loved camping with family. Every summer they camped all around Michigan, but mostly at Ludington State Park, a tradition she and John would share with their three daughters.

After high school, Linda went to Wayne State University in Detroit where she initially studied Commercial Art before switching gears and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Even though she did not complete the art degree, her love of art and creativity never subsided. Throughout her life she was prolific in her artistic pursuits. She was an avid watercolor painter, quilter, scrapbooker, and greeting card maker. She enjoyed making clothing and Halloween costumes for the entire family. She joined a quilt guild and met several women who became lifelong friends.

Linda and John married on July 23rd, 1983 and spent their honeymoon on a bike ride across Vermont. They welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, into the world in 1987, followed by Hannah in 1989, and Felicia in 1991. Linda loved her daughters immensely, and never missed an opportunity to be involved in their lives. She taught their Sunday School classes, led Girl Scout troops, and always cheered from the stands at their countless sporting events.

Linda loved traveling with her husband and daughters. They took their children on countless road trips, the more memorable being a three-week trip across the western part of the U.S. and a two-week history trip through New England. Whenever they ventured into a new city, John would find quilt and craft stores for Linda and she would find local breweries for John.

Some of Linda’s favorite pastimes included spending time with her quilt guild, scrapbooking trips, and taking “ladies trips” to Ohio Amish country with her aunts, sisters, and cousins. Linda was also an incredible cook. John often said they never ate the same thing twice because she was constantly trying new recipes. She took any excuse to go to the bookstore where you could find her in the cookbook section or flipping through cooking magazines. Linda also enjoyed gardening and loved tending to the immense garden John built for her outside their home in Holly.

Linda’s work was filled with her compassion for others. She worked as an oncology nurse, a visiting nurse, a substitute teacher, a bus driver, and, finally as the Director of Nursing and MDS Coordinator at Argentine Care Center.

Linda Taché is survived by her husband of 38 years, John; three children: Dr. Melissa Taché, Hannah Taché, and Felicia (Sam DeHaan) Taché; mother: Helen Fleck; siblings: James Fleck, Kevin (Cindy) Fleck, Sharon Fleck, Janette (Brian) Macks, Gregory Fleck, and Julie Oppedisano. She joins her loving father, Larry Fleck; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visit with family and friends while sharing food and refreshments from 3-6 PM on Sunday (Jan. 23) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, 269-375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday (Jan. 24) at St. Martin of Tours Church, 5855 W. Avenue E., Vicksburg. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visit Linda’s webpage at BetzerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Linda has asked that memorial contributions be made to your local Food Pantry/Bank.