Linda Read Schrimsher, age 75, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on May 18, 2024 while surrounded by family and loved ones. Born into a military family on June 7, 1948 in Newton, Mass., to the late Colonel Charles Marshall Read and Betty Evans Read, Linda moved frequently during her school days, including spending several years in Germany. Blessed with a happy disposition and thoughtful nature, she embraced new surroundings and made lasting friendships wherever she went.
Upon graduation from George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, Va., Linda attended Auburn University where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and named Alpha Gamma Rho Sweetheart. As a freshman at the “Loveliest Village on the Plains,” she met her future husband, Bruce, and the couple recalled it was love at first sight. They married in 1969 and moved to Tuscaloosa for Bruce to complete law school. Following a year in Montgomery, they moved to Huntsville to raise their growing family.
Linda quickly became active in the Huntsville community, serving as a member of the Junior League, volunteering at her children’s elementary school, and later working as a long-term substitute teacher for Huntsville City Schools. Linda was most proud of her work on the Madison County 310 Board, an organization dedicated to providing services to intellectually and/or developmentally disabled citizens. Passionate about history and her heritage, she also joined the Twickenham Town Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and served as National Defense Chair and Patriot’s Minute Chair.
Beyond her community engagements, Linda was an avid tennis player, finding happiness and camaraderie on the courts. Her passion for the sport was infectious, bringing together friends and fellow enthusiasts in friendly competition and shared experiences at the Huntsville Athletic Club.
A superb cook and a gracious host, Linda and Bruce were known to host legendary gourmet dinner parties that went well into the wee hours of the morning. She loved to travel and made memorable trips to far-flung locales with family and friends. Following these adventures, Linda joyfully recalled her experiences and new acquaintances, which inevitably turned into lasting friendships.
One of Linda’s greatest pleasures was sailing with her husband and children. She and Bruce kept a boat on the Gulf Coast where they made frequent weekend trips. During summers, they often chartered and captained a sailboat in the Caribbean where they shared the lure of the ocean and the outdoors with their children.
Linda’s love for family and friends knew no bounds. She was well known for her fierce loyalty, positive attitude, warmth, kindness, and generous caring for others, whether they were people or pets. As a mother, she was fully present for her three children, providing unconditional support while embracing their individual needs and goals. No one could have been a prouder mother.
When Linda’s two grandsons were born, Linda became the epitome of the doting grandmother. She forged a strong bond with JR and Henry, despite the distance between their home in Colorado Springs and hers in Huntsville. When not visiting the grands in person, or vacationing together at the beach, Linda would Facetime with the boys to hear all about their day, read them stories, and tuck them in at night. She delighted in their accomplishments and took great pride in how lovingly and respectfully they treated each other.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce; her loving children Scott, David (Erin), and Lee Stroud (Russell); her cherished grandchildren James Russell (JR) and Henry; a sister, Beverly Calder (Jim), and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 3:30 pm with Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. A celebration of Linda’s life will follow, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Special Olympics of Alabama (https://www.specialolympics.org/programs/united-states/alabama) or the Arc of Madison County (hsvarc.org/donate), an organization dedicated to giving loving care and guidance to those with intellectual disabilities as they find their place in the world at large.
