Linda J Potempa

LINDA JEAN (CALVERT) POTEMPA, 69, of San Pierre, Indiana passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023. Born on Oct. 11, 1953 in Medaryville, IN to Ora and Lois (Schultz) Calvert, she was a graduate of West Central High School and worked for Pactiv Corp. in Wanatah, IN for more than 30 years prior to her retirement. Linda married Tom Potempa on Jan. 24, 1987 in Valparaiso, IN. She is survived by husband Tom of San Pierre, IN as well as stepdaughter Bethany (Craig) Benson of North Judson, IN and five grandchildren: Caden, Karlie, Connor, Thomas and Teaghan. Linda is also survived by her siblings, sister Marilyn Fedorchak of Warrensville, IL, brother Ora Lee (Terrie) Calvert of Francesville, IN, brother Dale (Sheila) Calvert of French Lick, IN, her in-laws Chester and Peggy Potempa of San Pierre, IN, sister-in-law Carol Widner of Monterey, IN, brother-in-law David Potempa of Lima, OH, sister-in-law Pam Robinson of Mishawaka, IN, brother-in-law Philip Potempa of San Pierre, IN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by stepson Thomas Potempa Jr., infant daughter Mary Katherine Potempa, infant brother Paul Eugene Calvert and her parents Ora and Lois Calvert. Linda always had a smile on her face and an infectious laugh, the result of her shared love for family, friends, animals, and an adventurous spirit for traveling. She always enjoyed hosting family gatherings for the holidays at her home. This gave Linda the opportunity to share her appetite and excitement for trying new recipes with all her family and friends. As an avid animal lover, Linda cherished an array of pets during her lifetime, including a three-legged dog named Happy Jean, Caesar the parakeet, a pair of goats named Andy and Cherokee, many beloved dogs like Sheba, Sammie, Dolly, Murphy, Brewski, Ellie, Foxy, Princess, and Ziva. After retirement, Linda even trained her black lab, Princess as a therapy dog for regular visits at a local retirement facility. Her hobbies included painting, cooking, antiquing, and decorating. She loved to experiment with the latest trends for home décor, which could always be seen throughout her home. She was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, IN as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Ladies Sodality. Linda’s smile, laugh, kindness, and love will be missed by many, but her memories will remain in our hearts forever. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: VNA Hospice NWI, Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton Hospice Center at www.VNANWI.org or Starke County Humane Society at www.StarkeCountyHumaneSociety.org. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held 9 AM CT Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the All Saints Catholic Church, San Pierre, Indiana followed by a Mass at 11:30 AM CT at the Church.

Linda J Potempa

October 11, 1953 - July 28, 2023