Linda Eaves

Linda Eaves passed away on December 25 at the age of 72 after a brief illness. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, wife and grandmother. Linda was born on June 22, 1953 to Gerry and Warren Randy in Madison, Wisconsin. She attended Madison West high school and had enjoyed connecting with her former West classmates in recent years. Linda received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and earned an MBA at the University of Minnesota where she taught courses in accounting. Linda was a CPA and worked as an accountant for Pillsbury and Arthur Anderson before joining her father in his small accounting practice.

Linda was married to the love of her life, John Eaves for over 35 years until John passed away from agent orange-related cancer in 2018. Linda was passionate in her support of veterans and was proud of John’s dedication to his fellow soldiers during his service, and later, his fellow firefighters. Although John and Linda loved to travel, visit museums and go dancing, many of their happiest times were at home together, laughing at John’s childhood, army and firehouse stories, watching movies, or discussing history, books and philosophy. Their daughter, Samantha and grandson, Rom were Linda’s moon and stars and she dedicated her time and energy to them in her retirement. They lived in a multigenerational household and Linda enjoyed being part of their daily lives, providing rides and childcare, taking them on weekly adventures, and supporting them in every aspect of life.

Linda is remembered by her family as an accepting, non-judgmental and loving person with a sharp wit and deliciously irreverent spirit. Linda loved to crack jokes and was adept at well-timed one-liners. She also enjoyed intellectual pursuits and was a prolific reader of literature and nonfiction. She read the newspaper daily, keeping up with politics and current events. Linda loved animals and held deep convictions about treating living things with respect. She led with empathy and a penchant for the underdog.

The past several months were particularly difficult as Linda battled her own health challenges while also caring for and visiting Samantha, who remains hospitalized after suffering a brain injury in July. Linda had so wished to overcome her medical conditions in order to continue to support Samantha and Rom, while Samantha worked to recover from her injuries. She relished her roles of mother and grammy and her dedication and love for Samantha and Rom never wavered, remaining her focus and purpose.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, John Eaves, her parents, Warren and Gerry Randy, and her mother-in-law, Eileen Eaves. Linda is survived by her daughter Samantha Eaves Desjardin (partner, Eric Patenaude-Wilson), her grandson, Rom Desjardin, her sister Claudia Haus (William) and John Eaves’ siblings Paul Eaves (Kathi), Kathi Ryks (Dan), Peter Eaves, Patricia Eaves (Stuart Alger), Michael Eaves, Bill Eaves, Mary Thompson, Kelly Trygg (Brian) and many nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory can be made to the Linda Sue Eaves Revocable Trust to help support Samantha and Rom during this very difficult time. Donations can be sent c/o Haus, Roman & Banks, LLP, 148 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53705.