Linda Stozicki

“Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” – Proverbs 31:29

As her family and friends can attest, Linda Stozicki truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength for those around her, even in the most difficult of times. Linda always had an encouraging word to say, serving others in a selfless manner. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with loved ones. Linda was a remarkable wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who was known for her kernels of wisdom, love of nature, and enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. Forever loved, Linda will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

Nathan and Hattie (Fryling) Weed announced the birth of the baby girl they named Linda Sue on August 23, 1943, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Growing up, Linda was a typical young girl of her generation. She was raised on a family farm alongside her older siblings: Sheldon, Dolores, Barbara, and Lois. Even as a young girl, Linda valued family, and her loved ones were of utmost importance to her.

Linda was attending Mattawan High School when she met the man who would become the love of her life. His name was Steve Stozicki, and at the time he was working for his uncle on a farm in Mattawan. The two were first introduced by mutual friends, and it did not take them long to realize that they were made for each other. Linda and Steve were married in the presence of family and friends on February 5, 1960. The newlyweds then settled down to begin their lives together.

Linda and Steve were overjoyed to welcome their three children: Denise, Steven, and Michael, into their hearts and home. She was a mother first and foremost, and raising her children was her greatest priority. One favorite family memory is of local outings when Linda would give her children a penny or two to put in “Sandy” the horse at Meijer. Later in life, Linda was thrilled to become a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren, Alysia, Lauren, Kristen, and Katie, and doted on them at every opportunity. Linda loved hosting tea parties with her granddaughters and buying them dolls from American Girl. She was recently told the good news that a great grandson was on the way. Additionally, she loved her dog, Princess, and considered her a part of the family.

Linda always worked hard to provide for herself and her family. For many years, she worked at a local laundromat, then worked the night shift at Meijer while raising her children, and later took a job as a nurse’s aide in Lawton. Linda thrived in the field of elder care, and it inspired her to return to school at Southwest Michigan College and become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). As a nurse, she served both patients and family members who struggled with illness as they got older. Linda’s skills, however, went beyond nursing as she cared for her mother during her journey with dementia and was there for her patients’ families as they traversed the same difficult illness with their loved ones. Dedicated to caring for the elderly, Linda went on to work at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo for over 30 years, building a fulfilling career for herself and touching countless lives.

In her free time, Linda pursued several hobbies. She loved traveling with her family to various locations such as Disney World, Yellowstone, Hawaii, Gatlinburg, and Mackinaw City, where she visited every year and had favorite spots to eat and shop. Always willing to try something new, Linda was known to spontaneously take up learning a musical instrument including the autoharp and electronic keyboards, much to her family’s surprise and good-natured teasing. She and Steve volunteered their time at New Hope Family Church, assisting with funerals and other events. Weekends and holidays were reserved for family with pool parties and taco nights. Black Friday shopping was a special time spent with her siblings. They often met the rest of the family to break for lunch at Olive Garden before continuing their shopping adventures. Later in life, she enjoyed watching television crime dramas and became a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers.

When reflecting on the life of Linda Stozicki, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was known for her positivity and her words of advice, and her family was her pride and joy. Linda was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Though she will be deeply missed, Linda leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Linda Stozicki; of Lawton, Age 79, died on August 21, 2023. Linda was born August 23, 1943, in Kalamazoo to Nathan and Hattie (Fryling) Weed, who precede her in death along with her siblings: Sheldon (Doris) Weed, Dolores (Earl) Lawson, and Lois (Bob) Pease; and brother-in-law, Jerry Whipple.

Surviving are her husband, Steve; children: Denise (Harold) Cody, Steven Stozicki, and Michael (Tiffany) Stozicki; grandchildren: Alysia (fiancé Brian Bultema) Stozicki, Lauren (Colin) Gillespie, Kristen (George) Gilley, and Katie Stozicki; sister: Barbara Whipple; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Celebration where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday, August 31 from 5-7 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M 40, Paw Paw, MI, (269) 657-3870. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 1, at 11 AM, at the funeral home. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. A reception will follow at New Hope Family Church, 201 W. Michigan Ave. in Paw Paw.

Visit Linda’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to learn more about Linda’s life and to share favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Family Church in Paw Paw or the Alzheimer’s Association.