SOUTHWICK – Linda L. (Schoop) Howes, RN, MSN, (USN), passed away of cancer, April 8, 2014 at Mercy Hospital. She was born February 16, 1950 in Southington, CT. Linda graduated Southington High School 1968 and has a Diploma from Yale School of Nursing, a BS Degree from Texas Woman’s University and an MSN from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Linda served in the US Navy from 1971-1974 attaining the rank of Lieutenant JG. She was stationed at the Corpus Christi Navel Air Station in Texas. She administered care to Navy Personnel and their families during the Vietnam war. She moved to Denton, Texas in 1974 and worked OBGYN at local hospitals while continuing her education. She later taught nursing at Cooke County Community College in Gainesville, TX while starting her family.
In 1994 the family moved to Southwick, MA, she worked OBGYN at Providence Hospital and later Mercy Family Life. She also returned to teaching at Holyoke Community College. She loved her co-workers, teaching and students. They were all touched by her compassion and love. Linda attended over 1,000 births and was always amazed of the miracle of life. Her sister said she wanted to be a nurse since she was four. Linda was member of Southwick Congregational Church. She loved her church friends, the messages from the pulpit, and the music at the church. She was predeceased by her mother, Mildred Springer Schoop and father, Kenneth P. Schoop both born in Sayre, PA.
Linda’s pride and joy were her children, Catherine Howes of Southwick, Amanda Howes and her fiancé Jordan Keith of Kingsport, TN. Her granddaughter Chloe brought a special smile and warmth to her heart. She leaves her sisters, Marilyn Yother and her husband Larry of Harwinton, CT, Donna Schoop of Grass Valley, CA, Beth Patton of Roanoke, VA. She will also be missed by her step-family; sisters Debbie Hunter and her husband Jess of Middletown, CT, Sandy Uitti and her husband Dan of Watertown, CT and brother Bill King and wife Jan of Bristol, Ct.
Along with her children she leaves her husband, David of 41 years and many dear friends. The friends include, Krista Rand of Virginia, who was like a daughter to her. Her work family included special friends, Mary Ellen Pender, Liz Grimaldi, the Staffs at Mercy Family Life and Holyoke Community College. She will be sadly missed by many family members and close friends.
Linda being the ultimate teacher and giver would tell everyone that if a family member had/has cancer to be tested for the brca2 gene as a positive gene (if you have the brac2 gene any blood relative may have it) result gives pre-warning of potential cancer in men and women and preventive action can be taken. Shorter systematic testing can save lives. Her openness about the brca2 gene has saved several lives already and she would want everyone to be aware of the brca life saving test for their families.
Visiting hours are Thursday, April 10th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Southwick Forastiere Funeral home, 624 College Highway, Southwick MA 01077. The funeral will be Friday, April 11th at 10:30 a.m. at Southwick Congregational Church. Burial arrangements are pending.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation of your choice or the Southwick Congregational Church, 488 College Highway, Southwick Ma 01077.
www.forastierefuneralhome.com
