Linda Noreen Rea-Votava

Service Details

In honor of Linda’s life, a public viewing will take place at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrate her life at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11:00am, with Rev. Craig Richter officiating. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

With heavy hearts yet joyous memories, we celebrate the life of Linda Noreen Rea-Votava, who peacefully departed this world on February 24, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on May 30, 1952, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Linda embraced life with an unwavering spirit and a compassionate heart that touched everyone who knew her.

A proud graduate of Gateway Technical College, Linda dedicated 37 years to the esteemed profession of nursing. Her career began at St. Mary’s Hospital and culminated at Ascension-All Saints Hospital, where she provided exemplary care and heartfelt kindness to her patients. Linda’s legacy as a nurse will forever be remembered, engrained in the lives she impacted through her nurturing presence.

Linda thrived in her role as a mother and grandmother, finding unparalleled joy in her family. She delighted in cooking for them, including crafting her famous baked beans, savory chili, and beloved lil’ smokies, which will forever linger in the hearts and homes of those she cherished most. A devoted Chicago Bears fan, she joyously cheered for her team, and each Sunday became a celebration of family and football. She found serenity in the gentle rhythm of watching golf, spending cherished hours alongside her husband, Miles, captivated by the artistry of her favorite golfer, Jordan Spieth.

For the last 20 years, Linda made her home in the vibrant Lake Oaks community, where she blossomed into a beacon of positivity and warmth. She reveled in the company of her family, friends, and especially all of her grandchildren and her three grand-dogs, Ted, Lucy, and Puddles, who brought immense joy and laughter into her life.

Though she has left this earthly realm, her radiant spirit, unyielding love, and joyful essence will forever resonate in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Linda is survived by her loving husband, Miles Votava; her beloved children, Jody (David) Rhodes, Jimmy (Val) Svoboda, Jamie Svoboda- Lemmons; grandchildren, Jackson Svoboda, Kendal Lemmons, Dylan Lemmons, Eleanor Rhodes, Hannah Svoboda, Samantha Rhodes; grand-dogs, Ted, Lucy, Puddles; brother, Ken (Gloria) Olson; sisters-in-law, Margaret “Maggie” Olson, Janet Sirovatka, Marie Moudry; brothers-in-law, Phil (Eileen) Votava, Ken (Sharon) Votava; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Noreen (nee: Lyons) Olson; brother, Ervin Olson; brothers-in-law, James Votava, and Tim Moudry.

In honor of Linda’s life, a public viewing will take place at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrate her life at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11:00am, with Rev. Craig Richter officiating. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

As we gather to honor and reflect on Linda’s beautiful journey, we invite everyone who knew and loved her to join in a heartfelt celebration of her life’s incredible tapestry woven with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Though she may be gone from our sights, she will forever remain in our hearts.