Linda O'Connell, 65

Linda O’Connell peacefully passed away Jan. 31, 2024, after battling cancer. Linda was born Oct. 6, 1958, to James and Ona O’Connell in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Linda was born with Down’s Syndrome and Autism, and we will always remember her for her giggles, big smile and loving nature.

Linda resided at her parents’ home until 2001. She attended school at Olaf Bustad and participated in the Threshold and Tesh programs where she worked making doormats. After 2001, Linda was blessed to live in loving family homes with Robert and Deborah Cornell in Rathdrum, Idaho, for 22 years and then lived with Yelena Saakova for the final stages of her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Susan O’Connell (1982), and her parents, Ona (2001) and James (2008). Linda is survived by two brothers, James and wife Patti O’Connell in Coeur d’Alene, and Gary O’Connell in Redmond, Ore. Linda also has three living sisters: Sharon Claboe residing in Hillsboro, Ore.; Patty Tribbett and her husband Rob in Post Falls, Idaho; and Mary Reese and her husband Scott in Olympia, Wash. Linda also has 13 nieces and nephews, and 25 great-nieces and nephews.

Linda’s graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Thomas Cemetery. A reception will follow at Seasons of Coeur d'Alene restaurant, 209 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Special Olympics.