Linda Mae Sigsby, 77, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on October 3, 2020 at Haven Hospice. Linda was born in Port Huron, MI, on November 21, 1942 and her parents were Lyle and Edna Sigsby. She attended Yale High School in Yale, MI. Linda went on to the University of Michigan where she earned a full scholarship and attained a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Linda cared for polio and chemotherapy patients as a nursing student. She attended Northern Illinois University where she earned a master’s degree in nursing.
Linda later became an operating room nurse, OR head nurse, professor, and dean of nursing. At Iowa Wesleyan University, Mt. Pleasant, IA, Linda was a professor of nursing from 1978-1990. She earned the J. Raymond Chadwick Distinguished Teaching Award in 1980 and later became dean of the nursing department. From 1990-2008, Linda served as an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Florida where she was awarded the Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008. A dedicated nursing professional, Linda was active in the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the International Council of Women’s Health Issues (ICOWHI). She published research in the fields of women’s health, clinical nursing through patient care, and perioperative nursing where her drive for early engagement of nursing students in the specialty was recognized as a bridge for improving nursing education and expertise in the field.
Linda’s love of travel began at a young age visiting Canada and her family cross country trip across the continental United States. Her love of travel continued throughout her lifetime including a recent trip to Alaska. Linda traveled internationally where she particularly enjoyed Italy, England, France, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. She was eager to travel again and was planning her next adventure. Linda had many life enriching experiences — spending time in her garden, camping, experiencing nature, art and entertainment, Gator games, lively conversations, and spending time with family and friends. Linda was known for her kindness, generosity, friendship, humor, independence, and caregiving.
She is preceded in death by her brother Robert Sigsby, nephew Brett Sigsby, and granddaughter Melissa Jaynes. Linda is survived by daughters Margaret Schneider (Eric) and Jennifer Baum Sevec; four granddaughters Rachel, Lauren, Amelie, and Corinne; brother Donald Sigbsy (Marjorie); nieces Nicole Caldwell and Suzannah Sigsby; as well as extended family of son Douglas Jaynes (Jackie), Brenda Jaynes, and grandson Matthew Jaynes. Linda’s family, friends, and colleagues will miss her — memories keep her dear in our hearts always.
A celebration of life will be held in Gainesville, FL, within the coming weeks at Forest Meadows Funeral Home. For those wishing to honor Linda, contributions to Haven Hospice, Doctors Without Borders, or National Parks are thoughtful considerations.
Margie, your mom was a beautiful and amazing woman. So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for all of you. May she rest in peace.
Margie, I talked to your Mom a lot at your 50th birthday party. What a joy! What an interesting person. I’m sure you’ll miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. May she Rest In Peace..
Gloria Leinen
Margie – this is a beautiful tribute to your mom. What an amazing woman!! Love you, juli
Linda was my thesis professor at UF in 1997. She was a wonderful teacher, helping me to find my voice as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Kind and compassionate. Her legacy lives on in the work I do and her other students. May you her family be comforted by all the good memories you have with her. Thank you for sharing your Mom and grandma with the rest of the world. Sincerely, Melinda Boudah Aprn.
Death you know why this is so unfair? Professor Linda is one of the very few who read The Poet Wept and bothered to send her views. It is that woman who cared that you went after? Death you have done a very terrible one this time. If only death could read, the message she sent to me should be enough to let you know the kind of person she is (now do we use was)
“Dear Kole,
I want to thank you for sending me a copy of your latest poetry. I started reading it today and by the time I got to Africa II, I had tears in my eyes. I knew I wanted to copy the whole 150 + pages! Even though there are some words I do not understand, I can feel your concern and sometimes, your pain. It is wonderful that you are able to express your feelings through such an extraordinary command of language and are willing to risk doing so. Again, thank you for sharing this with me. Sincerely, Linda Sigsby”
Now that you took a 76 year old woman by stroke. This is someone has struggled with different health challenges over the years and survived. She is the one who gets up every morning to feed the birds behind her building. It is that kind of woman you took?
I have no more words for you.
Just remember what she did for us during the conference? How she helped clean up the mess i made while trying to make tea with an electric kettle. At the end she still sent her thoughts
Hi Kole,
Was it really August when I agreed to be a volunteer for this conference? Since it has been so long ago and so little has been said, I can see that my volunteering is no longer needed. Farrior Hall should be a beautiful setting for the conference, one that will impress your guests. Best wishes for a very successful conference and hope all goes well. Sincerely, Linda”
Now she is to be cremated, she has left the neighborhood. Rest in peace is a cliche but I know nothing else to say to a thoughtful woman like you. In my memory, you have a place, your many stories of your time in Nursing remains with me. The gory story of “KILLING IN COUNCIL CHAMBER STUNS CITY IN RURAL IOWA By Andrew H. Malcolm, Special To the New York Times
This occurred 30 years ago” is ever fresh in my mind too.
Linda please depart into that universe of light, where eyes see but voice too high to reach us on earth. You sure played your part and I will not forget you in a hurry
Linda was a friendly and caring neighbor. Our conversations almost always centered around gardening. I will always remember and be grateful for her kindness to my grandchildren. Since they moved away, she never failed to inquire about them.
Linda will be missed in too many ways to list.
Dear Family.
I taught with Linda for several years. She was a wonderful colleague; always had highest expectations of her students and was a great support to their learning. She was the kind of faculty member who went the “extra” mile to help students to facilitate course outcomes. Her professionalism was paramount in her dealings with the role of an academician. I was very sadden to her of her passing. I know you will have great memories to support you a s you learn to live without her..
Professor Emeritus Jodi Irving
Linda and I taught together at the College of Nursing for 16 years. She was a gifted and dedicated teacher and wonderful colleague. I loved her sense of adventure and positive outlook. I haven’t seen Linda in several years but it sounds like she really enjoyed her retirement and I know she loved spending time with her family
Best wishes and prayers for her family.
Linda will be missed.