Linda O'Daniel's Obituary
Linda O'Daniel was a letter-writer, a wordsmith, a joke-maker, and a poet. She passed away suddenly on June 30, 2017, at her home. The following is her daughter, Casey Fogle's, last letter to her, after a lifetime they spent writing letters and notes to each other. She was survived by her son, Ed Halley, Jr.; her daughter Casey Fogle, and three granddaughters she loved very much.
Dear Mom,
Ed and I talked tonight, about you and about memories. About how you loved Mt. Lemmon and feeding the critters every New Years Day. About Christmas and how much you loved the holiday and glad we were that you got to see two of your granddaughters this last year. We talked how we both wish you could have seen your other granddaughter as well. We talked about good memories, and the love you had for your family.
Mom, your home was filled to the brim with your love for us. Everywhere I looked, I could see how you loved so deeply. Your enjoyment of a good story was right there in the DVDs you loved to share, the books you loved to recommend, and the many words you wrote yourself. I promise, Mom, I will do my very best to finish your book for you.
You left us suddenly, but you left us knowing how important we were. You taught us to be strong, and stubborn, and how to care for others when they needed extra comfort. Everyone who worked with you knew your efficiency, your organizational skills, and your eagle eye for a typo or grammatical error. They enjoyed your humor, and your quick wicked smile.
You were way too young, only 73. Born in Washington, DC to the daughter of a tobacco farmer and to a country-smart man who could fix anything, you moved away from the south to make your home in Tucson almost 50 years ago. You raised us away from the bigotry and family violence you experienced, and showed us how important it was to be educated and to think for ourselves.
You will be remembered, Mom. You were known by so many, and oh, Mom, they liked you. You have taught me to remember to say "I love you," to give hugs when needed or wanted, and how to give unselfishly. I can't say goodbye to you, not really... Just write one last letter to say thank you.
Love you - Casey
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