Linda Sue (Perry) VanZomeren, 55

Linda Sue (Perry) VanZomeren, 55, of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away in Seattle, Wash., on Aug. 31, 2010, due to a ruptured brain aneurism. Her husband and sister were by her side at time of death.

Born in Flint, Mich., on Feb. 11, 1955, to David and Vernadene Perry of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Linda lived in many U.S. cities, as well as abroad in Germany and Taiwan. Linda enjoyed writing poetry, helping people in need within the community, and living a rural lifestyle with her husband.

Linda chose to live in Sandpoint as she enjoyed the people, the land, her many pets, and having her family nearby. Linda was well-known for her individualism and style. She loved hats, handbags, and driving, driving, driving.

Linda is survived by her husband, Eric VanZomeren; her parents, David and Vernadene Perry of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; her children, John O’Connell of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, David and April O’Connell and their children, Ashley, Devyn, Stacey, and Lacey of Sandpoint,  Joseph O’Connell and Merideth Stimson of Newton, N.H., and Kathryne and Jess O’Connell of Woburn, Mass.,; her siblings, David and Eve Perry of El Paso, Texas, Susan and Ken Poulsen of Hayden, Idaho, and Scott Perry and Dorothy of Spokane, Wash.; nephews, Doug and Mark Davis of Post Falls; her aunt, Janet Larouere, and cousins, Becky Flores and Michael Denam of San Antonio, Texas, and many other extended family members. Linda was preceded in death by sister, Julie Ann Perry.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at GRACE Sandpoint, 208 N. First Ave., Sandpoint, ID, 83864. For information, contact David O’Connell at (208) 263-4439.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight,

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

—Mary Frye