Linda Fossum passed away in Helena, Montana, surrounded by family on the morning of Thursday, May 2, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Richard, her son, Lee, daughter-in-law ,Katey, grandchildren, Aurora and Todd, and her daughter, Stacey.
Born Linda Lee Brown on August 27, 1951, in Columbus, Montana, Linda was the daughter of Charles Brown and Nancy (Noble) Fenner and the fun-loving, bossy oldest sister to her siblings Corky (Bruno), Rod, and Brenda (Wilmont). She lived in Columbus until she graduated from high school, and soon after married Richard Fossum. Not long after, they had a son and daughter; while she wasn’t a perfect mother, she was pretty darn close to perfect. When Lee and Stacey were little, she always had time to play games, talk, laugh, and listen, which did not change one bit as they got older. That incredible relationship continued with her many nieces and nephews and her wonderful grandchildren, Aurora and Todd, whom she adored.
Linda was once described as the hub of her family, both immediate and extended, and no words were truer. Fiercely loyal, intensely loving, and incredibly stubborn, she was the love glue that held her family together. Linda always reminded us that forgiveness and understanding are a key part to any relationship and that family is the most important relationship of all.
Initially a homemaker who sometimes worked part time, Linda discovered her love of teaching when she took job as a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom. She soon went back to college to earn her elementary education degree and began teaching in 1987 at Helena Christian Schools (formerly Cornerstone Academy). She taught there until 2010, and touched many lives with her enthusiasm for learning and her love of her students.
Linda was also blessed with an incredible circle of lovely friends who were a comfort and support for her in a way that no one else could be. Thanks especially to the “Breakfast Bunch†for all you did for her.
Linda, you were the best wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. We were privileged to know you and be a part of your wonderful life. You were truly an exemplary Christian woman. You will be remembered. You will be sorely missed. You were very, very loved.
A memorial celebration for Linda will be held at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena, MT, on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00AM. Memorial Donations may be sent to Linda Fossum Memorial Fund c/o Helena Christian School 3384 Cannon Ferry Rd, East Helena, MT 59635.
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Susan Gobbs says
I was saddened to learn of Linda’s passing. She fought so hard and had such a great attitude. She clearly loved her family so much and was loved in return. It was obvious that she loved teaching and so hated to give it up when her health declined. I enjoyed working for her and helping her get the benefits that she so richly deserved. Susan Gecho Gobbs, People’s Law Center
Gary and Cathy Kirkpatrick says
Lit a candle in memory of Linda Fossum
Gary and Cathy Kirkpatrick says
Dick, Lee and Stacey,
Gary and I are so saddened by your loss, our loss! Linda was so precious and kind. Her laughter and kind ways will always be treasured. We have so many fond memories of Linda and her family. The years we spent together in Glendive were great years raising young children. Linda was a great mentor and friend. We feel so blessed to have shared our time on earth with Linda.
God’s peace be with you all,
Cathy and Gary
Dianne LaFever says
So sorry to hear about Linda. I just want to let the family know I am thinking of all of you during this very hard time. There are so many great memories of the ‘good ol days’ in Columbus hanging out with Corky and Linda; and actually, the whole Brown family. These memories will be with me forever. Linda was a great person and will be missed by all who knew her. Take care, all of you.
Dianne (Holten) LaFever
Jason Bartosik says
I am praying for you, that God sends the comfort and peace that only He can offer. Linda was a wonderful woman, and I am glad that I had opportunity to know her, and to know that we will see her again in glory someday!
Jason Bartosik
Donna Peel says
I feel privileged to have shared in Linda’s life. As the other Grandma I saw how much she loved our grandchildren and what a good person she was. We love and miss you Linda, a very, very good lady. God Bless the family and friends. She is irreplaceable.
Carol Hanson says
My heart breaks for your loss. What a beautiful person Linda was. That goes the whole Brown family. May the many memories of Linda give you comfort. I’m so blessed to have had the Brown’s in my life growing up in Columbus. Many hugs to you all.
Carol (Matovich) Hanson
Barbara Bresdal Kem says
I was saddened to see Linda’s obit in the Stillwater News today. We send our condolences and healing prayers to all the Brown and Fossum families. I knew the Browns growing up in Columbus (the kids were close to my younger brother and sister in age). They were a wonderful family.
Barb (Brensdal) and Corky Kem
Linda Hagberg says
Dick,Nancy,Corky,Rod,Brenda and families,
Just wanting you to know that our thoughts are with you and also with Linda. I can only think back in years, at all the time we spent together. They are times you can never forget. Good times!
Someday the flowers will bloom again and the birds will sing again…. May your heart
be comforted until that day comes.
Until we meet again sweet Linda!!
Ed and Linda (Lofing) Hagberg
Donna Vandenacre says
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Linda, in this life. We know that we will renew our friendship in the next…but I don’t think my children would be who they have come to be..especially Trinity, if it weren’t for Linda. I remember Linda laughing when she shared a story with me. After class she would ask one of her students to pray before they left, and one day she asked Trinity to pray (he was maybe 8?) anyway, he starts out,” God please help Mrs Fossum, um, um………..oh never mind!” She said she just about burst out laughing, but held it in and thanked him for the prayer…until later…we sure laughed!! What a difference she made in lives here…well done good and faithful servant!!
Love to all of her loved ones, Donna Vandenacre
Kory Howard says
I am shocked and sadden to hear about Linda’s passing. She was an amazing teacher. I have so many great memories of Linda, she always knew when I was trying to pull a fast one in school, but she also was always there for me when I needed help. My thoughts and prayers are with the Fossum family during this time. May God bless and heal you. Kory Howard
Anonymous says
Harry’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake was purchased for the family of Linda Fossum.
Jeff & Linda Meier says
Foss My Linda and I were shocked to see Lindas smiling face in the obit, We remember her laugh and smile and all the good times when we were young, the hunts and potlucks at the trailer in Billings especially Linda chicken fried elk steaks she made . We won’t be there on Saturday but will be thinking of all you guys. although our lives drifted apart we always thought of you often. Dick I hope I never have to experience the pain I know you are feeling but know God has a Queen. love ya thinking about ya. Linda & Jeff
Margie Cross says
I am sorry for your loss. Linda touched so many lives and it’s the everyday occurrences that you will treasure and remember. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and may your memories will help ease the pain.
Margie (Langstaff) Cross
Ali (Nistler) Poelman says
Prayers extended to all the Fossum Family.
I remember first meeting Mrs Fossum in the 5th grade. I was so nervous (since our family had just moved to town and a new school). She made me feel welcome. She always had a smile for everyone; always was ‘looking on the bright side’.
Whitney McLaughlin says
When I first heard Mrs. Fossum had passed away, my first thought was there is no doubt God welcomed her to heaven saying, “Well, done good and faithful servant. She was the epitome of a good and faithful servant while here on earth.
Mrs. Fossum was truly the most amazing teacher to step into Helena. She pushed her students to their best and covered them with love, encouragement, and care. I know I am a better person, teacher, and learner because of her. I pray God blesses the family during this hard time. Be encouraged by the knowledge that she is dancing with the angels right now.
chiko olson says
Mrs Fossum was one of Helena Christian School’s (Cornerstone Academy) best assets. No doubt what a positive impact she made on so many, She wasn’t named “Awesome Fossum” for no reason. Her legacy surpassed her school years, for she always taught us how to love, smile, encourage and be of great courage. We will all miss you and loved you very much Linda, thanks Dick and family for sharing her with all of us. Our prayers are with you and the family and extended to all whose heart is aching now. Rest assure, we will see her again. Thinking of your bright smile and twinkling eyes right now.
Bob Beckers says
It was saddening for me to see that I have lost yet another classmate, especially one of the most lovable ones. Linda truly was one of the finest people I knew. It seems like yesterday that she and walked next to each other in our our graduation commencement. We were the two “B’s” Brown and Beckers and always had to be, or got to be the first in line. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dick and family, as well as Corky, Rod and Brenda. Linda was truly blessed to have you, as your were blessed to have her. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will always picture Linda as our Homecoming Queen with flowers in her arms.
Bob Beckers
dianne mullins rn says
My condolences on the loss of your loved one.
At very sad times like this, grieving ones need comfort and the Bible is the best place to find it.
Romans 15:4 says the ” through our comfort from the scriptures, we might have hope” The true God, Jehovah, shows us in the Bible, that soon his son, Jesus, will perform the greatest miracle, that of the resurrection of the dead. John 5:28,29.
Wonderful is the hope that soon, on the paradise earth, there will be no more death, as you can read at Revelation 21:3,4
There is much more Bible-based comfort to be found on the website http://www.jw.org
sincerely dianne mullins
Becky Burk says
You will be greatly missed, Mrs. Fossum. I will always remember you and the many lessons you taught me. Remember when Joshua squeezed the elk heart and red food coloring shot all over his face & hands? He was stained red for a week! Your passionate rendition of John Henry’s speech, while standing on the desk in high heels, is etched in my memory for all time. But it’s the things you did every day that made the greatest impact on me and my classmates. You would spend your lunch break, and “free” time after school every day working with the students in my class who were behind in reading or other subjects. Every day! Each of us knew that you would do whatever it took to reach us right where we were at. Each of us could see first-hand the personal sacrifice you were willing to make for any one of us. You humbled us with your servant’s heart, and encouraged us to treat one another the way you treated us — like each of us was worth saving, worth the effort. That is true love and compassion. I would not be the person I am today had it not been for you. You touched my family – past and present! – in countless ways. My prayers are with your family. We miss you so much!
Love you lots,
Becky (Oelrich) Burk