Linda J. Farchmin

On December 29th, Linda Josephine Farchmin died peacefully. Linda Jo (as her closest friends called her) was born July 8th, 1950, in Kansas City, Mo., to Albert and Emmeline Harris.  Like others in her family, she began her education at Visitation Catholic School, followed by St. Teresa’s Academy.  Linda then attended the University of Missouri where she joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Like her father, Linda was a successful entrepreneur.  For 10 years she owned a fine décor boutique called The Gift Gallery.  It was there that she met her husband, Roy, who introduced himself to Linda with a chocolate chip cookie.

Linda was a wonderful wife and mother.  Whether it was volunteering at school, helping with homework, attending sporting events, teaching her children the meaning of off-color English and Arabic words, or impressing Jon and Caroline’s friends with her biceps, Linda was fiercely supportive of her children’s education, personal interests, and growth as individuals.

Philanthropy was also important to Linda.  She was actively involved, ultimately serving as president of three different organizations, the Junior Women’s Symphony Alliance, the PTO of St. Ann Catholic School, and the Symphony League.

When she was not caring for her family or community, Linda loved playing tennis. You could often find her engaged in a spirited match with friends or family at the Carriage Club, where she was the first woman to independently become a member. Linda also loved to dance, entertain, and join family and friends at Winstead’s.  With her infectious laugh, she approached everyendeavor with enthusiasm and spread joy to her family, friends,and colleagues.

Linda was predeceased by her mother and father, her sister Jean Mallick, and her brother Albert Harris.  She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Roy, her two children, Jon and Caroline, her stepson Doug, her brother Fred Harris, and her sister Carol Deeken.  The funeral will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on January 4th.  There will be a reception for family and friends following the funeral.  In lieu of flowers or a gift, please consider donating to the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.