Linda Garnett

MADISON
Linda S. Garnett, 67, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Brightstar Senior Living in Madison, WI. She was born in Whitehall, WI on September 23, 1950 to the late Carroll and Dorothy (Cramer) Lohr. The family relocated to Madison during her grade school years.

Linda was a part of the first graduating class at James Madison Memorial High School in 1968. In 1972 she earned her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Madison and married her high school sweetheart, Jim Garnett.

She worked as a social worker for the State of Wisconsin for nine years. She later worked at several clothing retailers including Karen and Co. Terese Zache, and Woldenberg's.

Linda had a love for volunteering and helping others. She enthusiastically volunteered for many years at The Attic Angels Association. She also had a love for dogs and became active with the Greyhound Gala through greyhound rescues from which she adopted retired greyhounds. She enjoyed fashion; golfing, a sport she and her brother Phil shared; scuba diving; and creating beautiful stained-glass art. She had a great appreciation for artwork of all kinds and looked forward to attending Art Fair on The Square each summer. She spent time working in an art gallery, Santa Fe Style, formally on Monroe Street. She had a passion for travel. One of her favorite places to spend time was Red Rock Crossing while visiting her sister Stacy in Arizona.

In 1990 shortly after Linda celebrated her 40th birthday she completed her goal of running her first marathon, of many, in Chicago. She inspired many people through her running and even convinced her sister Nancy to join in. She challenged her to qualify for Boston Marathon, which they later ran together. The duo went on to train for and compete in the Ice Age 50, an ultra marathon. Impressively, while in her 50's, Linda became a three time finisher of Ironman Wisconsin-Madison, and yes, she got the tattoo to prove it.

She is survived by her siblings Nancy (Rodney) Kellerhuis, Philip (Mary) Lohr, and Stacy (Bud) Sorensen; nieces Ellyn Lohr and Jennifer Kellerhuis; and nephews B.J. Hale, Peter Lohr and Aaron Kellerhuis. She is also survived by her step-mother Elaine Lohr; step-sister Julie Hubbard (John); close friend Jim Garnett and his family. She was preceded in death by her parents and step-brother, Reed Hubbard.

Linda's infectious smile, contagious personality and comforting hugs will be deeply missed.

A gathering to celebrate Linda's life will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison WI with a service beginning at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers consider donating to The Attic Angels Association of Madison, a group that Linda was personally fond of, to Brightstar Senior Living of Madison, a group that became Linda's second family, or to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. of Madison, a group that assisted in Linda's care and comfort throughout the past 2 years.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brightstar Senior Living and Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. for their wonderful care, support, and companionship.

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434