Linda Marie Kunkel, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend died unexpectedly at her home on February 1, 2021. She was 78 years old.

Linda was born October 17, 1943 in Waterloo, NY to Adrian (Link) and Florence Suydam. She attended Waterloo Schools. Linda developed a passion early on for helping people and attended Alfred University where she obtained her Nursing degree.

She had her daughter Susan while married to her late husband Robert C. Squires. She worked at Olean General and when she relocated; she worked in the Crouse Irving Memorial OR, Syracuse, until she became a Nurse Practitioner in 1982. She built a rewarding career as a Nurse Practitioner at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and Community General (Upstate) Hospital in Syracuse, NY, for several years until she retired in 2014.

Her retirement proved short as she felt drawn to give back to the mental health and addiction community. She worked at Arbour Counseling in Yarmouth and Odonata Psychotherapy in Buzzards Bay.

It was while working in the O.R. that she met her husband Wayne Kunkel. Wayne had 3 children of his own – Christian, Bethany & Jennifer – and as a team they raised 4 children. While Linda spent most of her life in upstate NY, they established their “home” in Skaneateles NY. Linda was a woman of deep faith and hope as a member of the Skaneateles United Methodist Church. Her greatest accomplishment was that of a wife, mother and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren.

Upon retirement, Linda and Wayne moved to Dennis Port, MA, where she became a member of Northside Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, knitting & spending time with her dogs Lily, Tucker & Molly. She had a gift for gardening, & she “loved” Tim McGraw. She was a member of Sports Car Club of America as well as the Porsche Club of America.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her infant brother James Adrian. As well as her brother-in-law Paul Butler. In addition to her dear friends, those left to cherish her memory include her husband Wayne Kunkel of Dennis Port, MA; daughter Susan Altman, husband Jeff and grandchildren Maria and Vanessa of Tully NY, Christian Kunkel of East Aurora, NY, and grandchildren Brandon and Seth, Bethany Burnett of Nokomis, FL, and grandchildren Elise and Jack, and Jennifer Thomas, husband Kevin and grandchildren Madeline and Kate of Jacksonville, FL. Linda is also survived by her sister Anne Butler. And her nephews and Nieces; Michael (Melinda) Butler, Pamela (Mark) Dristy) and David (Lynette) Butler as well as their children.

Services will be held at Northside Methodist Church in Brewster, MA. via Zoom on February 16, 2021 at 1:00pm.

People can send video's or messages to northsideumc.rodney@gmail.com

Rodney Dobbs is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Linda Kunkel funeral
Time: Feb 16, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88168039738?pwd=dWxyaURCam8rdktCWWxqdjR0K3ArQT09
Meeting ID: 881 6803 9738
Passcode: 746181

One tap mobile +19294362866,,88168039738#,,,,*746181# US (New York) +13017158592,,88168039738#,,,,*746181# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 881 6803 9738 Passcode: 746181

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kq9kWbFJ8  

There will be a celebration of life at her daughter’s home in June 2021. Please contact Sue for details.

Linda was known for her love and dedication to her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. As her last gift, Linda was an organ donor. In memory of Linda Kunkel, we ask that you do a good deed, or pay it forward to someone in need. And always stay Humble and Kind.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in her name to The Northside Methodist Church 701 Airline Rd, Brewster, MA 02631, or the National Diabetes Association.

Sue- I’m just seeing this and wanted to say I’m so sorry to see your mom passed a few years ago. I would love to reach out to you, have thought about you many times over the years but couldn’t find you on social media. I was so young so I don’t remember your mom but my mother said she was so much fun. Hope you are well. Would love to catch up.

So sorry to hear this news. I worked with her at Community General and always looked forward to spending time with her. She was lovely! Definitely humble snd kind! Now she’s walking those streets of gold!

Wayne, So sorry for your loss. Mark R. Marietta, Ohio

I'm so sad to hear your news. I didn't meet Linda, but I wish you many fond memories of your time together. Take good care. Kind regards, Marnia

Wayne I’m so sorry to read this. Linda was just a wonderful person and I’ll always cherish the days when you both lived out here. God bless you all and give you comfort.

Wayne, Susan ..... So so sorry to hear of Lindas' passing. Her St. Joes NP peers and friends will miss her so much . She was a vital part of our NP team. We missed her when she moved to the Cape and we were always so glad to see her when she would return to NYS. Lovingly, Mary Lou Murphy

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFCULT TIME

So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family

Wayne, We have so many wonderful memories of Linda and you. Of course I have more than Jim! Still having trouble realizing she is gone. We both remember when she came to our auction when moving back to Massachusetts and she bid on many things we really didn’t think she truly wanted and found out later she was driving the price up for us! I especially remember her calling to make sure we were home because you had something to show us. Turned out to be a wriggling black puppy but that Newfie was so big I had to sit down to hold it! There are many more too numerous to write here but if you are coming through on the Massachusetts Turnpike, please let us know and plan to stop. You are more than welcome to stay! With love, Noreen & Jim