Linda Bates Chisholm

Linda Bates Chisholm, 78, of Sun City, AZ, died at home Friday, April 27, from an apparent heart attack. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert A. Chisholm, her daughter Heidi Chisholm Wolfgang of Tuckahoe, NY, and her son Peter A. Chisholm and his wife Linda of N. Fond du Lac, WI. She is further survived by her brother Samuel P. Bates III and his wife Shirley of New Brighton, MN. She enjoyed the wonderment of five grandchildren – Thomas, Lisa and Laura Wolfgang, and Katelyn & Matthew Chisholm. Linda was born in Meadville, PA, the daughter of Samuel & Cazzie Bates. She was a graduate of Linden Hall Academy in Lititz, PA; and of Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Her college major and career path were in Early Childhood Education. She and her husband were instrumental in establishing Nursery Schools in St. Paul, MN and Hudson, WI. She will be remembered as a sprightly talker who never let escape a chance to meet a new friend or strike up a lively conversation with whoever stood next to her in a line somewhere. When encountering a toddler in a store, she always stopped to greet the child or parent with the enthusiasm of a Nursery School Teacher. Linda had a gracious elegance and creative flair. Her colorful style and warm personality enlivened every room she entered. Each day she emerged before six in the morning with perfectly coiffed hair accompanied by a favorite pair of earrings. She never let a birthday or a holiday go by without sending a card to each of her grandchildren and other loved ones — filled with little gems of art, poetry, quotations, prayers, humor, and recipes along with an immeasurable amount of love and signed with a beautiful flourish. In her later years, she was a consummate caregiver to her husband, a polio survivor. Services are pending; Memorials will be appreciated to Planned Parenthood, the American Heart Association, or a charity of one’s choice.