Classy Lady
Linda was a caring and compassionate individual, never passing on opportunities to help other people when it seemed they needed help. She enjoyed training and playing with her German Shepherd Dogs, riding her horse Jackson, gardening, cooking, knitting, listening to music and attending live music performances, singing, bowling with her husband, reading, watching on TV her favorite cooking and legal drama shows, and boisterously rooting for her New York Yankees. She always referred to her family home - husband, dog Petra and 4 cats - as her "pack." Relationships were important to Lin (which is what her husband called her) and she would go out of her way to nurture them, if just to let her friends know she was thinking of them and missed the good times they had together.
Her ashes will be buried at a private ceremony.
In her memory donations should be made to no-kill shelter: Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY, 12538 (click the DONATE NOW button).
I would love to read your comments about your relationship with Linda. Feel free to email me (Thorne). Your comments will be posted here unless you prefer to keep them private.
From Thorne Ventura, husband
Lin and I met on match.com, one of the original dating web sites, in November of 2006. After a week of lengthy emailing back and forth, on a night of pouring rain, thunder and lightning and downed trees, November 10, 2006, we met
at a local restaurant for dinner.
At the end of dinner Lin proceeded to give me a test! She asked a series of questions to ferret out my likes and dislikes.
I was so impressed that someone cared enough to learn quickly about this candidate boyfriend. I must have passed the test because she let me kiss her goodnight...on our first date !
What I quickly learned was that Lin was an intelligent, thoughtful, sophisticated and caring person who had deep feelings. She had dated guitarists before and
I found out after that first dinner that she told her friends "Oh, no, another guitarist!" When I finally played for her at my house, I was so scared to falter in front of this amazing woman that I faced the wall while I played !
After dating, spending a lot of time together, going on week-long vacations and seeing how wonderful she was with my 6-year old daughter, beyond all my expectations, on December 22, 2012, when we exchanged Christmas gifts, my last gift to her was an engagement ring. She cried which I took to mean she would be happy to be my wife. We married on July 13, 2013. She had already been driving 88 miles round trip from her home to work every weekday and despite my concerns that she would be exhausted at the end of every workday, she said she didn't care, she wanted to live with her husband, and increasing her weekday drive to 132 miles round trip didn't matter. When Lin felt strongly about something, she didn't just talk; she acted.
I loved and cared for this woman more than anything. I was so lucky that she pursued me on match.com because I had seen her profile (before she contacted me) and decided she sounded too much like my mother! (and who wants to date their mother?!) I am so very grateful that I got to spend 18 years with the most wonderful woman for me. I have never met another person who cared so much and was so compassionate toward people. She made it safe for me to be myself. Even with all my faults she made it clear she would always love me and always be in my corner. As she once put it, "Always and all ways." I miss her terribly. This kind of love is not something that comes along frequently. It did come for me and I will cherish it for the rest of my life. I said this to her frequently: "I love my Lin!"
From Lisa Willaman, friend
I was remembering the last time we saw you guys here. Lin played my piano, and both you and Lin sang happy birthday to me. Then she gave me a charm bracelet with charms for all my pups. A very special moment.
I like Lin a whole lot. She was a strong woman, confident, outspoken but also so kind and smart. We didn't talk a lot, only on Facebook. But we'd check in every now and then and talk about...what else.... our dogs!
From Justina Romashko, Special Education Social Studies
I am a teacher at Port Chester High School. I did not know Linda well, but through the years, I recall many pleasant encounters with her. She was always kind and funny.
I especially remember musical events when she got the best out of her student musicians. They obviously loved and respected her. I will always remember her with fondness.
I am so sorry for your loss and hope that your loving memories comfort you.
From Dave Chepiga, PCHS Social Studies Teacher
I am really shocked and saddened to hear that Linda passed and my thoughts are with you and the family.
I am a Social Studies teacher at Port Chester high school and began my career there in 2005. Looking back, I am thankful for having the opportunity to share time with Linda over the years.
I distinctly remember proctoring regents exams and conducting study halls with her. After all, we were in distinctly different departments. Also, she knew that I am a musician myself.
I play guitar, sing, a little drums, ect..... Although we never actually played together at an event, I was accepted as a teacher into the Tri M Music honor society when she was in
charge and even helped judge the "battle of the bands" for many years at PCHS. (Remember those?.) I even remember you when you came by and ran a guitar workshop at the school in
what seems many ages ago. She was a wonderful person who cared about the students of Port Chester. Helping others in this life is a very honorable thing and she definitely impacted
the lives of those who knew her.
From Rosemarie Barone, Secretary to Superintendent of Schools
I'm so sorry to hear about Linda. I knew Linda for many years as the secretary to the superintendent of schools, grandparent of two of her students at the high school and a friend for many years.
I shall remember her enthusiasm, pep and energy as she led her students in song. My heart goes out to you as you bear this final burden. Peace be with you.
From Ayse and Tony Ruvolo, PCHS colleagues
Ayse Demirag-Ruvolo has made a contribution to Dutchess County SPCA. Ayse wrote: "In memory of Linda Penney Ventura, a true lover of all animals. Sincerely, Ayse & Tony Ruvolo".
Tony and I have fond memories of Linda from our school trips to Italy several years ago, especially the time when she sang in the passageway at one of [venues] we visited. Her beautiful
voice echoed off the cave and stopped everyone in their tracks. Linda was a lovely traveling companion, providing humor and insight throughout our journey. She was also a wonderful colleague
at Port Chester High School, always helping students to develop their talents by sharing her musical gifts. She will be missed.
