Laying Linda Lou (Burnworth) Gosnell to Rest

My name is Lisa Babb, and I am the granddaughter of Linda. I was able to write the quoted section below a little over a month and a half before she passed away on November 27, 2022. My mother was able to read it to her, along with the outpour of love from all her friends and family. My grandmother's health has been declining for some time now, and amid her last months, her memory was not what it used to be. We are finding that all the insurance policies she once held have lapsed, most of which have occurred in the last year. My parents and aunt set up her arrangements today, with modest services and burial next to her parents. My family asked that I create a fundraiser in the hope of helping cover some of the expenses. My grandma was one of my heroes and lived an amazing life. I have always seen her as a trailblazer to women everywhere.

We appreciate everything. All the kind words, prayers, and those who always checked up to see how she was doing! It meant the world to her that so many made her feel loved. If you can help, we are so thankful! Whether it is by donating, sharing, or continuing to send us thoughts, prayers, and memories of my grandmother, we could not be more appreciative! In addition, memorials can also be donated directly to the funeral home listed in her obituary link below.

Thank you.

Rest Peacefully, Grandma!

May 6, 1942 - November 27, 2022

https://www.demoneygrimes.com/obituary/Linda-Gosnell?fbclid=IwAR0FYvB1LJ38IwJHYk2G9khNKgc8KYXLHUyDBA2XKA3pgIcvW8RIbSgvZ-I

"My grandmother is a Breast Cancer survivor. I remember when I was younger, and she was diagnosed. She refused to leave the house or let anyone see her while she went through treatment. She has always been one to maintain her outward appearance and couldn’t bare the thought of anyone seeing her once chemo took her golden hair.

Until recent history, I’m not sure I ever saw my grandmother sick. Her hair was always done, as well as her makeup. She took pride in that. So, even when faced with Breast Cancer, she took it on with her head held high and behind closed doors simultaneously. Then she came out on the other side like nothing ever happened.

My grandmother has always been a rebel. Never one to slow down, no matter what turn life took. Back in the 50’s, she drag raced with the boys and participated in beauty pageants simultaneously. She did her best at raising two girls, mostly on her own, while working full time. She made mistakes, had bad relationships, but she really did try. In the 80’s she met the man who I will always claim to be my grandpa even if no blood ties us together. Their relationship wasn’t perfect, but they loved each other and made it work. While my siblings and I won’t agree, that man is the only grandfather I’ve ever really known, and when he passed in 2011, I lost a part of me, just as my grandmother lost a piece of herself.

I remember the story of my grandma getting into a bad car accident that left her in a coma and almost ripped her ear off completely. She got into another when I was in high school that flipped her vehicle over and left her unconscious, upside down, in the middle of an intersection. Even then, she never slowed down. I don’t think I’ve ever honestly told her how much I admired that part of her or how strong she’s been in my eyes.

My grandmother is a Breast Cancer survivor, and recently she was diagnosed again with the beast that is Cancer. It was able to move through her system like a bull in an antique shop, and even with all the noise it brought, her medical staff wrote it off as the complaints of an 80-year-old woman. Maybe they didn’t realize everything she had been through to get to this stage of her life, and by the time they noticed, it advanced to stage 4. My family is angry and heartbroken by the lack of attention she has been given. The prognosis is grim, but we will continue to love and support her in every way we can.

I have a request to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month and my grandmother. Listen to the stories, lessons, and complaints, and make sure that the older folks in your life are heard regarding their health. Make sure they feel listened to, period.

I love you, grandma."