Linda was raised in Miami by her eldest brother, Mel, after both of her parents passed away before she was a teenager. She was the second youngest of seven siblings, some of whom were already adults by that time. Very shortly after graduating from Coral Park High School in Miami, she met her future husband, Phil, who was by her side for over fifty years, including her last day.

Linda was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and a pillar of the community. She made an impact on countless families through her business, Sun Country Sports Center, which she co-started in 1987, with just a handful of young kids who wanted to learn gymnastics. “The Gym”, as we lovingly call it, meant so much to her, and will be passionately led by her daughter, Jodi, going forward.

Linda’s humble and challenging upbringing shaped her into a tough and fearless leader and business person. Anyone who worked with Linda instantly knew that she demanded the highest quality of work from everyone; and if you let her down, she was not shy about letting you know, in no-uncertain terms. However, she was fair, and everyone knew what to expect with her; she said it like it was. Since her passing, many current and former employees have reminded us that working for her had a profound impact on both their personal lives and professional careers. One story reminded us that Linda always put “the children first”. Additionally, former gymnasts (now adults) and parents have described how Linda mentored them and helped shape themselves into better people. She was a second mother to countless friends and family.