Linda L. Nicholson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Linda L. Nicholson, 68, on August 31, 2025. She left this world peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 13, at the Tonica United Methodist Church in Tonica. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of services. Burial will follow at the Ladd Cemetery. The Hurst Funeral Home in Ladd has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Linda was born on August 29, 1957 to Sandra (Calkins) and James Jagodzinski in Spring Valley, IL. She married Brad Nicholson on November 15, 1975. Their nearly 50-year marriage was an example of unwavering love, quiet strength, and deep commitment. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and compassion.

Linda's greatest joy in life was her family. Together, she and Brad raised three children. She often said her biggest accomplishment in life was raising her children; and her children wholeheartedly agree, though they believe that her true legacy was the way she lived out love and gentleness in everything she did. She was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and warmth – a mother in every sense of the word.

Linda adored her six grandchildren. Her love for them was boundless, and the feeling was mutual – they cherished their grandma and will miss her deeply.

Known for her listening ear, Linda was often the first person her children called when they needed to talk or just think out loud. She never pushed or preached; she simply listened, gently guiding with wisdom and love. Her absence leaves an aching silence, and yet her presence remains in every kind word her family speaks and every lesson she quietly taught.

Linda's life was not measured by grand gestures, but by countless small acts of love and kindness that changed the lives of those around her. She will be so missed as a wife, mom, grandma and friend. But more than that, she will be remembered in the love that lives on in the family she shaped.

Linda spent years as a member of the Tonica United Methodist Church, singing with the choir and teaching Sunday School. She enjoyed volunteering as a cub scout leader while her children were young. She worked as the Village Clerk of Tonica, served as Secretary of the Tonica Cemetery, and worked as an Administrative Assistant at Zukowski Law Offices and A.G. Edwards. Linda’s home was never without the love of a cat or dog, making every day of their lives as special as they made hers. 

Linda is survived by her husband, Brad Nicholson; children, Cory (Carolyn) Nicholson, Neil (Elizabeth) Nicholson and Annie (Andrew) Stoub: grandchildren Brayden Nicholson, Harper Nicholson, Sawyer Nicholson, Ezekiel Nicholson, Joseph Stoub and Caleb Stoub; her sisters, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law; and many loving aunts and cousins. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved step-father, Edmund Cushing, and her dear brother, James Jagodzinski.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Linda to Safe House Animal Rescue League, Lily Pads Resale Boutique, or Habitat for Humanity Restore of Peru.

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