Linda Estrada

In loving memory of Linda Kay Estrada It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, life partner, nana, friend, and sister. She danced through the gates of Heaven on May 25, 2024, surrounded by family and friends in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She leaves behind a life that was well lived and well loved. Linda was born on February 17, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was raised by her late adoptive parents, George and Dolores Bovis, in Waterloo, Iowa, along with her younger brother, David Bovis. She was a graduate of West High School in 1977 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa. She had a vivacious personality and a free spirit that led her on countless adventures. Whether she was at home or globe-trotting, her presence was always noticed and she created a lasting impression on those around her that could be seen in her timeless friendships and her continuously expanding family. Her first marriage took her to Venezuela where she inherited a larger-than-life family that remains an important part of her legacy. Later in life, Linda met her cherished partner, Bob Schoof. They spent the next 15 years building a beautiful life. Together they enjoyed beekeeping and maple sugaring at their farm, weekly dinner dates, family gatherings, and traveling with friends. Her adventurous spirit later led her on a journey to find her roots. Along the way she was able to connect with her biological relatives and in true-Linda-fashion, she welcomed them into her family. Linda’s love for her family and friends ran deep. She treasured her children, grandchildren, life partner, and extended family, and friends, and embraced every moment with them. Linda was a dedicated mother, and a pillar of strength. It was beautiful to experience the unconditional love she carried in her heart for her children. That love blossomed and was especially felt by her grandchildren; Lennox, Eliana, Lincoln, Sebastian, Emiliana, Gabriel, Maci, Lilia, Aiden, Brooklynn, and Cayden. ‘Nana’ was her proudest role. She celebrated every special occasion with an excitement for making the day unforgettable to everyone around her. She loved any time she spent with her family, from cooking family meals together, to crafting, to movie dates and slumber parties, school field trips, family day trips and big vacations. When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren or traveling, she had many hobbies and enjoyed staying active but you could always find her with a book in her hand or caring for her gardens. Linda is the loving and proud mother to Jesus Estrada of Tokyo, Japan; Elisa and Jeremy Garcia (Maci, Lennox, Eliana, Lincoln, and Emiliana) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Eyleen Estrada and Joshua Garcia (Sebastian, Gabriel, Brooklynn, and Lilia) of Waterloo, Iowa. Linda is the cherished life partner to Bob Schoof, and family, Nathan Schoof and Angela Williams (Aiden and Cayden). A visitation will be held at the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Waterloo, Iowa on Monday June 3, 2024 from 1pm – 4pm. Ever the life of the party, Linda was always very clear, a celebration should be held upon her passing. In fulfillment of that wish, we invite you to send her off in style. Simply bring yourself and your favorite memory to share. If you’re unable to attend but still want to share, please send your story as she would never want anyone left out. lindakestrada@gmail.com. A celebration of Linda's life will be held at the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Waterloo, Iowa on Friday June 14, 2024 from 2pm – 8pm. Donations may be directed to the family in honor of Linda’s memorial fund. May Linda’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may the memories of her love and kindness live on in our hearts forever. How blessed we are to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. Sincerely, Linda’s family

Linda Estrada

February 17, 1959 - May 25, 2024