Linda Walton Doede, 83, passed away on August 3, 2021 at Belmont Village in Glenview, IL.  She was born on December 18, 1937 in Glen Ridge, NJ to Edward H. and Anne M. Walton.

Linda grew up in Hamden CT, graduating from Prospect Hill School in New Haven and later from Swarthmore College in 1959.  After college Linda served as a Hamden Community Ambassador, a role which sent her to Poland for a summer.  She returned with a fresh perspective on life in a communist country, lifelong friendships, and a love for learning and travel. 

In 1960 she married a local boy, John H. Doede.  The couple moved to Chicago for graduate school, then Minnetonka, MN, and finally settled in Lake Forest IL.  Linda dedicated herself to raising three children and volunteer work with the Junior League.

It was through the league that Linda connected with the Chicago Botanic Garden.  Starting as a volunteer, her work eventually grew into a full-time position as the Volunteer Coordinator.  Linda earned an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in 1985 and brought this business perspective to Volunteer Services at the Garden.  For more than 25 years, as the garden matured into a world class museum, Linda matched volunteers to staffing needs, helped the fledgling organization carry off large events with limited budgets, and grew the Garden’s community presence through its strongest boosters, the volunteers. 

Perceptive and well informed she was ready to give her opinion, and to convince you why you should share it.  A master procrastinator, you could count on Linda to arrive late, but always with the energy of her big personality, ready to get things moving for work or fun.  

After a stroke in 2002 reduced her strength and left Linda’s left side paralyzed, she retired from the Chicago Botanic Garden and became an active contributor to the resident councils and activity planning first at the Seasons Assisted Living Community and most recently at Belmont Village.   She continued her monthly meetings with her girl’s night out group and enjoyed the music and friendship at Glenview Community Church for many years.  She was blessed until the end with frequent trips back to the Botanic Garden, visits from a constant stream of friends and the quiet presence of gentle and compassionate care givers. 

Linda was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Doede, and her brother Edward Walton.  She leaves behind two daughters, Danna McKay and Tina Doede; daughter-in-law Rebecca Hornstein-Doede; brother Chandler Walton and wife, Bette Ann, and sister-in-law Shirley Walton; four beloved grandchildren Alva McKay, Colin McKay, Henry Doede, and Evelyn Doede; nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. 

To honor Linda’s commitment to the Chicago Botanic Garden, in lieu of funeral services, we are planning a tribute garden which will be planted in her memory on the Garden grounds.  Donations can be sent to:

Chicago Botanic Garden
Attention: Gina Cordovi
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL. 60022

Please make checks payable to the Chicago Botanic Garden and reference Linda Doede on the check memo line or on an enclosed note.