Linda B. Vanderpol

Linda B. VanderPol, resident of Toledo, OH, passed away on January 8, 2024 at age 81. She is survived by her children; Mark (Carla) VanderPol, Cindy (James) Hannum, Todd VanderPol (Kristi - fiancé), grandchildren; Chelsea (Chris) Kerchman, Nathan Shadix (Crystal - fiancé), Riley VanderPol, Casey VanderPol, Reis VanderPol, Maggie VanderPol, Regan VanderPol; great grandchildren; Gunnar, Harper, Vivianne, Dominic, and Gideon; sister, Kathleen (Robert) Pettinato, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Shea. Left also to cherish her memory are many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marcella (Sally) Shea; her son, Brent VanderPol; grandson, Sean Shadix, and brother, Daniel Shea.

Raised in a Catholic home, Linda also chose to raise her 4 children in the Catholic faith. In her later years, she was a parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church along with her father where they frequently attended church together. Before passing, Linda received the Anointing of the Sick, and her faith and belief in life everlasting brings comfort and peace to all who loved her.

As a mother, Linda loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, helping to guide them through life's challenges and just enjoying their youth and joy. She was a gentle, caring mother, and described by her family as, "the best listener, because you could talk to her about anything and never worry about her being judgmental." Linda joyously celebrated family life at casual dinners and gatherings, and most definitely at all the important milestones - birthdays, graduations, holidays, baptisms, weddings and funerals. For nearly 10 years, Friday nights were dinner dates with her Dad, her "hero", that were rarely missed.

As a sister, Linda was the best. She and her brother Dan had the typical growing up experience as playmates and friends. Their different personalities generated a fair share of squabbles, although they remained loving and close throughout their lives. When sister Kathy was born, Linda jumped into mothering mode, getting up for nighttime feedings and diaper changes and provided loving care to her in early years. Even after Linda married and started a family of her own, she remained the big sister, providing a sister's advice and refuge. As big challenges were faced, Linda was there as a rock and advisor. As adults, the relationship balanced itself, so each could support the other, sharing each other's joys and challenges and it blossomed into the most precious of friendships.

After raising her children, Linda put herself through graduate school at Bowling Green State University where she proudly graduated with 2 master's degrees: Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. She then opened her therapy practice, Caring Counts Family Therapy Service where she supported patients for 29 years. She continued to grow her skills through ongoing training and certifications that included: EMDR Therapist, Level II; Certified Mediator; CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) and Debriefing; Amen Clinic Specialist: Assessment & Treatment of ADD in children and adults and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. All of these additional skills allowed her to support her patients through acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, dissociative disorders, ADD, disordered eating patterns, gastric bypass psychological evaluations, mastering life transitions (postpartum depression, menopause, divorce, etc.) among others. Linda was loved by her patients, and always described as a great listener, caring, comforting, and helpful.

Linda's artistic talent was a wonder to see. She was so awed by the beauty in the world that from that inspiration, she added an additional grace and dimension to that loveliness. She created amazing works of art – pastel portraits, oil and water-color paintings and sculptures as well as creating delicate, elegant wreaths and centerpieces that rival those seen in House Beautiful.

Whether for work or play, Linda also loved to travel, which she did often and usually with family. She visited many places throughout the US and abroad including pivotal trips to Lourdes, France and Rome, Italy, where she and her family attended an audience with the Pope. There were several cruises, usually with daughter Cindy as roommate, visiting islands in the Caribbean as well as many European destinations - Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey. Travelling with Linda did often have some unique "benefits". Her travel family often visited local and shipboard doctors and Emergency Rooms in far-away locales– places we might not have seen otherwise. She was always such a trouper.

Linda is irreplaceable and the best person you could hope to have known. She was a strong, loyal, loving and generous person, thinking of others, and always the one who asked "what can I do for you"? Even though she is now celebrating with her Mom, Dad, Brent, Sean, Dan, and many others in heaven today, those she leaves behind will miss her beautiful light and joy and hold tightly to her love.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19th, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home – Southwest Chapel at 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614. Linda will be laid to rest privately with her family at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in Linda's honor. Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org)

You may stream the service by clicking here.