Passed away at her home early Thursday Nov.24,2016. Age 77. The family will welcom friends at the Misiuk Funeral Home, Chesaning on Wed. Nov.30, 2016 from 12 noon until 9:00 pm. A Sharing time will take place at 7:30pm with a Rosary to follow at 8:00 pm.
The Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, Dec.1, 2016 at 11:00 am at St.Peter Catholic Church (Our Lady of Perp.Help),Chesaning. Rev.Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate. The family will be at the church on Thursday morning at 10:00 to welcome friends. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Linda has been cremated.
Into the loving arms of her creator....Linda Gewirtz Gower is at rest. She died peacefully at home amongst many family members at the age of 77 yrs. Linda lived a very full and meaningful life being the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and "Aunty Linda" she could be. To many young ones that weren't relation, she was referred to lovingly as "Grandma Linda".
Born in Flint, MI. on October 23, 1939 to Dorothy (Watson) and Clarence Thoune, she is sister to older brother, Michael Thoune, and younger brother, Dean Thoune. She was married to Donald E. Gewirtz on January 10, 1958 and together had six children who survive her. Donald "Bing" passed in 1981. On January 3, 1986, she was blessed to have a second love of her live by marrying Larry Gower. With her new marriage she gained three wonderful sons. She enjoyed every family and social event that ever existed. She especially relaxed and enjoyed time at "her" Crystal Lake. There she also has made many life-long friends that have blessed her for over 50 years.
She was employed as a secretary at Flint McDonald Dairy where she met Bing. She later worked many years at Ben Franklin in Chesaning as well as Rojas Carpets. Linda also ran a daycare in her home when her children were young. She was a strong force for Cystic Fibrosis being Chesaning's lead advocate for many years. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where she volunteered as playground lady, Grandma Reader and lunch room help. She helped organize and worked with Chesaning Sports Boosters for many years while her children were in high school and beyond. Linda served on the Crystal Heights Board for over 20 years as well as served in many capacities at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (church office and Christian Service Commission, etc.). Linda loved working K of C Hall fish fries for over 30 years. Another fun membership she enjoyed was her bowling team from Pin Town Lanes in the 60's and 70's.
Linda is predeceased by her first husband, Donald Gewirtz, father Clarence Thoune, mother Dorothy (Watson) Thoune, Richard Conklin, son in law. And many brother and sister in laws from the Gewirtz family. Those surviving include her brothers Michael Thoune and Dean (Jenny) Thoune: children and step children: Lisa Conklin, Kelly (Felicia) Gewirtz, Lori (Darren) Mort, Scott (Kay) Gewirtz, Tammy (Mike) Yates, Andy (Linda) Gewirtz, Jeff (Jennifer) Gower, Michael (Valerie) Gower and Matthew (Jennifer) Gower. Grandchildren--the lights of her life--include Tanea Curtis (Larry Brooks-fiance), Katie Conklin (Jim Nigl-fiance), Angela Gewirtz, Ashley (Ray) Cruz, Stephanie Gewirtz, Darrek Mort (Emily-friend), Dexin Mort (Liz-friend), Amanda Mort (Scott-friend), Darren Mort ll, Brandon Gewirtz (Leanne-friend), Noah Yates, Genevieve Yates, Katie (Chris) Sarazan, Jacob Gewirtz (Bridgett-friend), Caleb Gewirtz (Kyla-friend), Jenna Gewirtz, Webber Gower, Adrianna Gower, Weston Gower, Joel, Justice Riley, Jade and Jesse Hart and G-G's (great grandchildren) Tayin and Trevin Curtis, Aris Gewirtz, Jayce Cruz and Emma Riley. She is loved and missed by many more nieces and nephews. Linda Gewirtz Gower will be missed by anyone who ever knew her.