Linda Marie (Armstead) Carlson

Linda Marie Carlson (Armstead) of Cadillac peacefully passed away at her home on Friday, November 22nd, 2024. She was 77. 

Linda was born on April 16th, 1947 and soon thereafter adopted by Duke and Ardis Armstead (Rumbaugh) of Cadillac, MI and Boynton Beach, FL.

Linda graduated from Seacrest High School in Boynton Beach, but was an honorary member of the 1965 CHS graduating class. She attended elementary school in Cadillac where she made so many lifelong friends.

She went on to Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!) where she graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Teaching and Foreign Languages. She taught Spanish and German at Cadillac High School for nearly 40 years. In her time at the high school she was able to share her joy of travel and passion for culture with her students by taking them on trips to Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Saying she was a teacher feels truly like an understatement. She always found a way to make learning fun and to reach her students. Students that she would, and did, do anything for.

Linda loved to surround herself with the people and the things that brought her joy. She truly knew how to live and did so every day by doing the things that meant everything to her. Whether it was spending hours at her sewing machine, unapologetically beating her kids at cribbage, attending one of her game nights, mah-jong groups, book clubs, quilting outings, kids or grandkids activities, bible study, art, musicals or concerts, she always found a way to fill her cup. She always sought out the best in people and found the silver linings in any storm. 

She was a true servant to God and always found ways to give back to the community. She was a mentor to several children over the years through Kids Hope, would translate for the courts or the hospitals, and volunteer her time wherever and whenever she could. 

Linda is survived by her brother Bruce (Carolyn) of Lake City, Florida, her pretty amazing kids, Spencer Carlson of Cadillac, Stuart (Lynne) Carlson of McBain, and Hallie (Brandon Hagland) of Grand Rapids. And according to her, her even more amazing grandkids; Taylor, Connor, Dominic, Hazel, and West. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and so many friends that truly are family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Duke & Ardis, and her daughter-in-law Tara Carlson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 2nd, 2024 at 2pm with visitation held an hour prior at the Zion Lutheran Church of Cadillac, MI with Pastor Scott Torko to preside. Internment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

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