Linda McKenzie, age 55, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at her Prior Lake home. On April 22, 1963 in Virginia, MN, Linda Jeanette was born to parents, Daniel and Beatrice (Primeau) McKenzie. The seventh of eight children, she grew up in Virginia with siblings, Barbara, Marilyn, Neil, Gail, Dan, Deb and Peter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 19th at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Xavier Goulet will preside. Urn bearers will be best friends Deanne, Sue and Cheryl. She will be laid to rest with her parents at Calvary Cemetery in Virginia, MN, on Saturday, October 20, at 2:00 pm. Please wear pink or purple to honor Linda’s favorite colors.
From the time she was a little girl, Linda lived life to the fullest. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laugh, and she enjoyed people of all ages. Linda had an amazing way of connecting with others. Her caring, nurturing, empathic and welcoming personality was felt by those Linda touched. It didn’t matter who you were, she wanted to be part of your life, as she always saw the good in others.
In high school, Linda was a cheerleader and the life of the party. Graduating in 1981 from Roosevelt High School, Linda furthered her education at Bemidji State University before transferring to St. Cloud to complete a degree in cosmetology. During her years as a cosmetologist, Linda enjoyed interaction with customers young and old. Her great personality later led to work as an office manager, with Linda ending her career in the HR department at Despatch Industries in Lakeville.
Linda’s biggest passion in life was her family. She married Scott Sinjem on August 20, 1994 and they were blessed with two children, Hannah and Sam. Linda adored and loved being a mother. Hannah and Sam were her light and joy! As a family, they enjoyed trips and summer vacations to cabins up north. Countless hours were spent boating, fishing, swimming and exploring the local shops. Linda and Scott were together for over 20 years before their marriage ended.
In 2014, Linda met her life partner, Robert Benton. Over the next four years, Linda and Robert devoted themselves to each other. They enjoyed similar interests including movies, dancing, and listening to music. Linda and Robert loved the long conversations they shared while telling childhood stories and reminiscing about the day’s adventures, always with lots of laughter. It was around this same time that Linda was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Since her original diagnosis, Robert devoted his time to caring for Linda throughout the progression of her ALS. Since first meeting, they never spent an entire day apart and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Linda was the light of Robert’s life.
Every day was a joy for Linda. She always managed to look her best while maintaining a meticulous home and caring for her family and adored dog, Buddy. Linda loved celebrations and holidays, especially Christmas. She was great at decorating, baking, entertaining, and shopping for others. She had so much more to give in life, but now family and friends are left to carry on her legacy. Linda would want everyone to be kind to one another and accept everyone for who they are. Linda and Robert often said “Lets have a good day” which are simple words that mean so much.
Linda will be forever loved and missed by children, Hannah and Sam; life partner, Robert Benton; siblings, Barbara (Michael) Fiola, Marilyn (Michael) Miller, Neil (Kathy) McKenzie, Gail (David) Lind, Dan McKenzie, Deb McKenzie, Peter (Carol) McKenzie; numerous nieces and nephews; best friends, Deanne Butorac, Sue Borchert, and Cheryl Failor; and many other relatives and friends. A special thank you goes to the staff at the University of Minnesota ALS clinic, as well as the Fairview Hospice staff.
There to greet Linda home in eternal peace are her parents, Daniel and Beatrice.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served the McKenzie and Sinjem family.
