Patricia Gardill Linn, Craft Connection owner
Patricia Gardill “Pat” Linn, of Henlopen Acres and Rehoboth Beach, passed peacefully at home Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Pat is the devoted daughter of the late Charles and Marie Trainor Gardill; the beloved wife of the late Earl Hall Linn, to whom she was married for 58 years; and the loving mother of Michael C. Linn (Carol) of Houston, Texas, Eric P. Linn (Lynn) of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Wendy Linn Jacobs (Jeffrey) of Orinda, Calif.
Pat also is the proud and beloved grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Abigail, Sarah, Matthew (deceased), Eric, Patrick, Brian, Alexandra, Tucker (deceased), Hannah, and Talbot; and one great-grandchild, Maeve. In addition, she is survived by numerous cousins. She also leaves behind her beloved Maddie, the final reflection of Pat’s lifelong love of Miniature Schnauzers.
Pat is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., where she was born Oct. 11, 1926, graduated college (Carnegie Mellon), met and married Earl, and taught English for many years. Before moving to Rehoboth Beach in 1985, Pat, Earl, and their children lived in Duquesne, Pa. The Linns were summer residents of Rehoboth Beach for decades and many will remember her days on Olive Avenue. These wonderful times led Pat and Earl to permanently relocate to the area.
Together with Earl, Pat created a loving home and a wide circle of friends and neighbors in Rehoboth Beach and the Acres for more than 26 years. After raising her family, Pat embarked on her second career as the owner of The Craft Collection on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. For 22 years, Pat enjoyed her shop, but more importantly the friendships she forged with her customers and fellow business owners.
Pat was a member of the Duquesne Women’s Club, Girl Scout leader, school volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and member of the board of adjustment for both the Town of Henlopen Acres and the Rehoboth Beach Country Club.
Although her greatest joys derived from being wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Pat was an accomplished teacher, successful business owner, and formidable civic activist. She sought and succeeded at touching and contributing immeasurably to the lives of all who knew her and the communities of which she was a part.
Pat also was an amazing woman: intelligent, creative, determined, caring and giving. Despite her devotion to others, she lived life on her own terms, maintaining her independence, dignity and grace throughout her long, rich and fulfilling life. In life and in the face of death, Pat inspires us all to be true to our better selves.
A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be private at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions be made in Pat’s name to the Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or to the charity of your choice.
