Linda Marie Kunkel, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend died unexpectedly at her home on Feb. 1, 2021. She was 78 years old.
Linda was born Oct. 17, 1943 in Waterloo, N.Y., to Adrian (Link) and Florence Suydam. She attended Waterloo Schools. Linda developed a passion early on for helping people and attended Alfred University where she obtained her nursing degree.
She had her daughter Susan while married to her late husband Robert C. Squires. She worked at Olean General and, when she relocated, she worked in the Crouse Irving Memorial OR, Syracuse, until she became a nurse practitioner in 1982. She built a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and Community General (Upstate) Hospital in Syracuse for several years until she retired in 2014.
Her retirement proved short as she felt drawn to give back to the mental health and addiction community. She worked at Arbour Counseling in Yarmouth and Odonata Psychotherapy in Buzzards Bay.
It was while working in the O.R. that she met her husband, Wayne Kunkel. Wayne had three children of his own – Christian, Bethany and Jennifer – and as a team they raised four children. While Linda spent most of her life in Upstate New York, they established their “home” in Skaneateles. Linda was a woman of deep faith and hope as a member of the Skaneateles United Methodist Church. Her greatest accomplishment was that of a wife, mother and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren.
Upon retirement, Linda and Wayne moved to Dennis Port, MA, where she became a member of Northside Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with her dogs Lily, Tucker and Molly. She had a gift for gardening, and she “loved” Tim McGraw. She was a member of Sports Car Club of America as well as the Porsche Club of America.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her infant brother James Adrian. As well as her brother-in-law Paul Butler.
In addition to her dear friends, those left to cherish her memory include her husband Wayne Kunkel of Dennis Port, MA; daughter Susan Altman, husband Jeff and grandchildren Maria and Vanessa of Tully N.Y., Christian Kunkel of East Aurora, N.Y., and grandchildren Brandon and Seth, Bethany Burnett of Nokomis, FL, and grandchildren Elise and Jack, and Jennifer Thomas, husband Kevin and grandchildren Madeline and Kate of Jacksonville, FL.
Linda is also survived by her sister Anne Butler. And her nephews and nieces; Michael (Melinda) Butler, Pamela (Mark) Dristy) and David (Lynette) Butler as well as their children.
Services will be held at Northside Methodist Church in Brewster, MA. via Zoom. Visit the Hallet funeral home website for details. Hallettfuneralhome.com.
There will be a celebration of life at her daughter’s home in June 2021. Please contact Sue for details.
Linda was known for her love and dedication to her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. As her last gift, Linda was an organ donor. In memory of Linda Kunkel, we ask that you do a good deed, or pay it forward to someone in need. And always stay Humble and Kind.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in her name to The Northside Methodist Church 701 Airline Rd, Brewster, MA 02631, or the National Diabetes Association.