Linda M. Reed

Linda Marie Reed, 68, of Greaney, formerly of Hermantown, passed away on Monday April 3, 2017 at Essentia Health- St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

Linda was born on January 30, 1949 in Duluth. Linda grew up in Hermantown  where she graduated from Hermantown High School in 1967. She completed her nursing degree from the then Duluth Vocational Technical Institute, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She married John Bourassa in 1970 and they were blessed with 2 daughters, Kristine and Jennifer. In 1989 Linda was united in marriage to Lloyd Wilton and they shared many adventures out west together. Linda had lived in Brookston, Cook and the last 17 years in Greaney with her long time companion Gary Novak Sr. Linda was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alango.  She was a dedicated nurse at Nopeming Nursing Home for 18 years and the Cook Hospital and Nursing Home for the last 20 years of her career. She loved being a nurse and taking care of those in need.    Linda also enjoyed genealogy, traveling (back roads only!), flower gardening, writing letters, crocheting, and history.  Linda loved her family and treasured times spent with them, especially her grandkids and her great-granddaughter.  Linda appreciated and enjoyed life, and felt any day shared with family was a good day.

She is preceded in death by her parents Anna and Norman Lillo, and father Wallace Thompson; granddaughter, Hanna Benoit; and son in law, Dave Benoit.

Linda is survived by daughters: Krissy Benoit and Jen (Rick) Bourassa; long time companion Gary Novak Sr.; 7 Grandchildren, Addie Gallian, Emily and Jake Benoit, Abbey and Nick Benoit, and Melony and Lyric Novak; 1 Great granddaughter, Lucy Norup; 2 sisters, Mary Larson and Pam Randa; 1 brother, Dennis (Lori) Thompson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her beloved pet dog Henri.

SERVICES: A celebration reunion gathering time for Linda will be from noon to 2 pm Saturday (April 8 ^th ), with prayers and memories at 1 pm, led by Rev. Joey "pj" Bailey from the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. The honorary bearers will be Rick Benoit, Timmy Larson, Jake Benoit, Nick Benoit, Brock Wilton, Brody Wilton, and Zach Norup.  A reception  in Linda's honor will follow at the Cook VFW immediately after the service. Interment will be at a later date in Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery in Hermantown.