Linda DePaolo

Linda Kay Schwarz was born to Meta Amanda (Struck) & Gilbert Otto Schwarz; on December 8th, 1950 in Fergus Falls, MN. Linda grew up on a Dairy farm & loved life on the farm and has enjoyed sharing stories about farm life with family, friends and anyone else who would listen. She was the Dairy Princess in HS, athletic and a cheerleader but was never concerned about getting her hands dirty. She had adorable dimples and a smile that could make anything better. She had numerous 4-H.

The stories of Linda and her social circle are ones of genuine belly laughs, and shenanigans. If you were a stranger or friend, Linda would lend a helping hand.  Linda had the best stories about growing up. She loved her nieces and nephews stating they were raised together because of the age gap. She was a hard worker no matter what the job was. Right after HS, Linda packed up her suitcase once getting approved for airline school- a far cry from the family farm; in Costa Mesa, California. She had never been on a flight before, but knew that She wanted to see the world. Linda made friends quickly and was having fun with her roommates in California, usually at the outdoor pool at their condo. It's there that a man "in uniform caught my eye!! I must find out more about him." read Linda’s Spring 1972 diary. His name was Jay and He had already been trying to date the blonde country girl by asking around about her. He was mischievous about his approach in typical Jay fashion and dated her roommate to get to know more about Linda. It wasn't long before The Marine from The Bronx NYC  and the Country girl’s worlds collided and Jay proposed to Linda (twice)  and then she told him they had to get married to live together and by August 2, 1972 they were married. Jay was The Love of Her life and She was his. They have several stories of their days in California. Again, most are hilarious. She loved children, was a phenomenal Mom (to hundreds as her career in Youth Activities served thousands of military kids and her children's friends over the years).  She absolutely loved watching Jimmie play sports, especially baseball. Both kids stayed active in school or intramurals.

 Linda earned hundreds of awards over her 30+ years in civil service for military youth, primarily focused on ages 0-18. Prestigious award or not, She was always humble. She's been honored at the White House for her over achievement of her service and sat with President Bush and the First Lady at the ceremony and supper held in Linda’s honor. 

She was the first to help her staff members in any way they needed. Her heart was big and held unconditional love for many. Being a housewife early on was time she was grateful for. Her and Jay took the kids on many trips. They spent weekends attending UND FIGHTING SIOUX Hockey. Her and Jay had fun together after the games as well. Being with her family was what made Linda the happiest. She was creative and started new programs, facility upgrades, or new things like Fast Eddies Coffee Shop.

Loving and spending time with her 5 grandkids, Linda retired as soon as she was able to. She's spent countless time with them whenever she could. They also heard most of the stories, loved camping, road trips, school events and their Grandma volunteering whenever they needed an extra hand.

 Linda was a devout Christian and her final words were "I am dying of a broken heart. I miss Dad so much."  She relentlessly repeated that her heart ached for Jay and she looked forward to their reunion. 5 weeks on this Earth without Jay by her side was something She didn’t feel strong enough to endure any longer. Shortly after Jay passed, Linda told him that She’s right behind him.

Linda seemed restless until Patrick joined them in the bedroom on February 6th. Amy rubbed her hand and told her that She can go. ‘it’s okay, Mom. Patrick’s here too.’ She peeked enough just to see the crystal blue eyes and slight smile. She said that she saw Daddy. 

If you see Daddy, you should go and ask  him for a dance! For the first time in several days Linda relaxed, took two deep peaceful breaths and continued on her journey to Jesus on February 6th at 3:55 pm. Linda had prayed for God to heal her broken heart. She truly believed in her soul that her ultimate cause of death was going to be from Broken Heart syndrome.  She was the ultimate warrior when caring or advocating for all children and family.

She loved endlessly, nurturing her family, friends, neighbors etc. She taught her grandchildren about the Bible and so many other things. 

For 8 years She cared for Jay at home. He had no use of his legs. Never complaining or pulling the victim card, Linda took him on trips with for thousands of miles when it took three people just to get him out of the door! They’d pack up in the winter and head down to their lake place in Pottsboro, TX. 

It was a sweet disguised blessing that Jay nor Linda had to live in a care facility and that says a lot about how they raised their children. It's beyond time for them both to remain together in eternal peace. Their children loved them and did what they could and always loved their visits. 

There is so many things that could make this longer, it’s reassuring that her life was full. Her job took her whole family to live in Sicily, Italy. An island in the Mediterranean Sea. The stories, memories and so much more! Blessed be the memory of Linda.

She and Jay had a lot of inside jokes but they were fierce with conviction that “Nobody came to visit, they don’t need to go to my funeral.” This never wavered. Always joking, we told her that they will be there to support Jimmie and Ames.

People left to mourn are: children 

Son James Jay (Melissa) and their three children Allie, Joe, John DePaolo. 

Amy Nicole (Patrick) Swanson and their children Carter, and Bronx Swanson.

Several nieces and nephews and their children.  Several Godchildren.

Siblings: Lloyd, Larry, Leonard, Lucy (Bob Bymers). 

Special extended family: Steve and Debbe Swanson; Detroit Lakes, MN.  

Special friend Debbie Thormodson;  Dalton, MN.

Predecessor to death:

Parents Meta and Gilbert Schwarz; Sisters, Myrtle Schwarz, Luella (Kenneth) Hintermeister.

Parents-in-law James J. Joseph Sr and Louise DePaolo.

Brothers-in-law: Angelo Allegretta; Al Cascio. 

Special mentions;Scott Hempel; Mike Hegerfield; James Nicholas Allegretta. 

A family led service will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, Minnesota. 

*A private gathering of close immediate family members and long time friends was held on August 2, 2024. It would have been their 52 Wedding Anniversary.