Linda Mendryga

With a faithful heart, Linda Mendryga gave selflessly to others through her generous and caring nature. She was a friendly, outgoing woman who shared the friendships of many, but it was her family that brought Linda the greatest joy. Deeply missed, she will be long remembered by those who knew and loved her.

By 1947, the baby boom brought forth a demand for consumer goods and the need for housing rose to an all time high. It was a significant year for new innovations such as the transistor radio, the introduction of directional signals in automobiles, and the ever popular, Frisbee. The Miracle on 34th Street became a beloved movie, and the newly published Diary of Anne Frank brought even more attention to the travesties that took place during World War II. Yet in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, Peter and Stella (Lyson) Sissen had much to celebrate as they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Linda Ann, born on September 10, 1947.

Linda grew up alongside her seven siblings, Michael, Larry, Janet, William, David, Christine, and Pete where there was never a lack of anyone to share an adventure with. She experienced an enjoyable childhood for the times, and was always busy playing in the neighborhood with her brothers and sisters. She often went swimming at Patten Park, and enjoyed skating at St. Hedwigs. Her father supported their large family as a hard working electrician while her mother remained at home with the children as a homemaker. Life for Linda was filled with memorable times sharing the holidays and family get-togethers which always brought back fond memories.

Having attended the area schools, Linda made friends easily from her earliest years. Outgoing and fun-loving, she grew into a beautiful young woman who had many admirers and dates, but there was one young man whole stole her heart at the age of 13, and that was Bob Mendryga. She graduated from Chadsey High School in 1966 where she studied commercial foods which was to her benefit when she began working for a local catering company during this time. After high school, she furthered her education by attending barber school, and went on to enjoy a fulfilling career working as a barber.

Linda and Bob began a dating relationship and throughout their time together, fell deeply in love. They were married in 1967, and have spent the best years of their lives together as husband and wife for 47, happy years. In time they were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert, who added much to their lives. Christmastime was always special in their household where they celebrated Christmas Eve with traditional Polish flare. After a large Wigilia meal was prepared, the Polish tradition of the Oplatek was shared with blessings for health and happiness as they sat down to enjoy the meal and festivities together. As a family, Linda loved their yearly tent camping trips to Camp Dearborn where numerous memories were made.

Travel was something Linda and Bob enjoyed together as a couple. Over the years they took two trips out west, spent a wonderful excursion to Alaska, and went on a Caribbean cruise.

As a barber, Linda loved talking to her customers and keeping up to date on the latest news. Although she could be quite opinionated, she always respected and cared about the opinions of others. She had a good rapport with those in her community, and loved sharing her talents with those around her. In her free time, Linda loved watching movies. Her favorites included, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Splendor in the Grass. When it came to TV, she loved watching the Sopranos and Game of Thrones. She also liked going to the casinos from time to time, and gardening brought her much contentment. Most of all, sharing the company of family brought Linda the greatest enjoyment.

Linda was very generous with her time, heart, and talents. She never ceased in praying for the needs of others, and was generous to all. Whenever someone had a need, Linda was always there to help in any way she could. She had her own style and unique personality which drew others to her side. She was most definitely her own person, and her quick wit and humorous side was always a delight. She often used the term, “Like I said...”, and, “I turned around”, but one of her more poignant statements included, “Bad girls go nowhere; good girls go everywhere.”

With ways all her own, Linda Mendryga shared her love, helpfulness and joy with those she knew and loved. She was an example to live by, and guided by faith, she lived fully and completely at every opportunity. Dearly missed, Linda will be fondly remembered in the hearts of many.

Linda Ann Mendryga, age 66, passed away suddenly on Monday, June 9, 2014. She was the loving wife of Bob for 47 beautiful years, and the beloved mother of her son, Robert E. (Chris) Mendryga; the cherished grandmother of Courtney, and great-grandmother of Jaxson; sister of William, David, Christine, Peter, and the late Michael, Janet, and Larry. A Memorial Mass for Linda will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014, 11:00 AM at St. Genevieve - St. Maurice Catholic Church in Livonia. A gathering of friends will begin at 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may sign Linda's online guest book, upload a photo, and share a favorite memory.