Linda Lee Stajduhar

Colchester - Linda Lee Stajduhar, 80, of Colchester passed away peacefully at her home July 17, 2023.

Linda is survived by Joseph, her husband of 61 years and their four children, Michael and his wife Michele of Lithia, Fla., Peter of Stonington, Julie and her husband Dan of Lebanon, and Sara and her husband Eric of Hebron. Linda was the grandmother, "Bayba", to, Matthew and his wife Stephanie and daughter Charlotte, Carley and her husband Matt, Emily, Mason and his wife Tatiana and daughter Arabella, Jack, Paige and Adam.

Linda was born Jan. 22, 1943, to the late Joseph and Nellie Bargel of Illinois. Along with her younger sister Judy, Linda attended Catholic grade school, and then Granite City High School. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, Joe. Linda and Joe's courtship included trips to the movies in his black Renault Dauphine. Linda and Joe were married in a traditional Polish Catholic ceremony on June 30, 1962. They began as newlyweds in an apartment above her grandparents' home in Madison, Ill. While in Illinois, Linda worked at her mother's hair salon and at Famous-Barr Department Store in St. Louis.

In 1964, Linda traveled with her son and husband across the country to live in Connecticut. It was there that she raised her four children in Uncasville and Canterbury. In 2001, Linda and Joe retired to The Villages, Fla. until 2007 when they returned to live in Colchester. Linda embodied strength as she simultaneously raised her family, managed the family businesses, and worked in the community. Linda volunteered at Backus Hospital, worked at the Log Cabin, and was a bookkeeper for Blue Ribbon Pontiac.

In her free time, Linda excelled at quilting. She quilted numerous blankets for her family and would often make quilts for newborns at local hospitals. She also was an avid bowler in the women's league on the "We are Pathetic" team at the Norwich Ten Pin. While living in Florida, Linda found joy in golfing with the "Golf Chicks" and playing Mahjong. Mahjong would be a passion that she would share and teach to others in Colchester and East Haddam. Linda loved to garden and grew many vegetables and perennials. Linda was infamous for her cooking and baking, whether it was watching cooking shows or reading cookbooks, she was always on the search for a new recipe. Her family loved her extra crispy fried chicken and her legendary chocolate cake. As much as she loved to cook, Linda also enjoyed eating out and talking about a good biscuit and gravy, kielbasa and pierogies or an open-faced sandwich.

Linda and Joe traveled together in their motorhome, making several trips across the country. However, Maine remained one of their favorite destinations - particularly Bailey Island. The success and happiness of her children and grandchildren shows how caring and supportive Linda was as a mother. She could always make you laugh, especially when she did- it was contagious. There wasn't a family get together that you wouldn't hear her 'snort' which would send you into tears and fits of laughter. You also knew when she wasn't pleased with you... she would wave her finger, call you by your full name, and follow it with "Gosh Dang It."

Linda was an incredibly strong woman that will be sorely missed by her family and friends. May she rest in peace and continue to provide us guidance throughout our lives. Linda's family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the neighbors of Freedom Way for their support and generosity. To honor Linda's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Her family will hold a private ceremony.

Published by The Day on Jul. 20, 2023

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