Obituary of Barbara Jean Linza

Barbara J. Cowherd Linza, 81, of Jamestown, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 in UPMC Hamot, Erie, Pa. She was born in Brantford, Ontario on February 25, 1937 to Crawford and Olive Cowherd. Her older brother Jack, was born in 1933 ahead of her and survives her today with three children. Her memories of her childhood were fond including good times with cousins and extended family. After a fun stint in boarding school as a young lady, Barbara went on to Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, a suburb of Rochester, NY. She met her husband Ray, a young American from a working family, after a year at school where she was majoring in business administration and Ray was studying history with an eye on seminary. They were married on August 24, 1957 in Niagara Falls, Ontario and began a family soon after. Ray finished undergraduate school with lots of cool stories and a few friends for life and went on to Asbury Seminary in Kentucky to be a Methodist minister. Ray and Barb had five children, Susie, Bob, Julie, John, and Kim from 1958 through 1969, followed by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A busy and crazy household, as any five children bring, was the norm for many years. Barb was instrumental in ensuring that music filled our lives and our home. She was a model wife and exemplary mother, always putting others first. Barb sacrificed on many fronts, as most moms do, and her unconditional love was always a hallmark of her character. As kids grew up, they brought much joy and occasional sadness to their parents. Barb and Ray continued to parent the best they knew how. They were in no way perfect, but in every way unwavering in their united intent on the best for their children. Barb was kind to more than just her family. She never met a 'stranger'…she eagerly sought out new friends and simply relished talking to people she never met and would never see again – just to share some sunlight from her soul. She loved to share her joy about family, friends and whatever was going on in her life. As the family dispersed and Ray's career landed them in final destinations unexpected, Barb continued to support him and his ministry without hesitation. She was his silent rock and bastion of stability through the good and the bad. Barb was an exceptional human being. In recent years, she struggled with great health challenges and cheerfully rose to the occasion with great faith and courage. We're grateful for everything that Barbara was as a mom, a wife, grandmother, a great grandmother, and a friend to anyone within earshot. We're honored that she was the center of the life of our family and grateful to have been part of her journey. Barbara died in the hands of her savior and in the arms of her family. We'll miss her dearly and will carry on her legacy of selflessness in each of our lives. Barbara and Mom…thanks and we'll see you again soon. Calling hours will be on Monday, December 17 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Lind Funeral Home at 805 W. 3rd St in Jamestown, NY. Additional calling hours will be hosted at the Jamestown Nazarene Church from 12:00 – 12:45pm on Tuesday, December 18. A funeral service will follow immediately on December 18 at 1:00pm at the Jamestown Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Mark Hanson, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Rd., Boone, NC 28607.