Linnea Tornqvist

Madison - Dr. Linn�a Dagmar (Lindborg) T�rnqvist died peacefully at home in Madison, WI on November 24, 2015. Dr. T�rnqvist was born in Chester Springs, PA on April 5, 1941, to Swedish-speaking, professional artist parents. Linn�a was a beloved mother whose strength and kindness were inspirational. A very accomplished person, Linn�a graduated valedictorian from the Ellis School in Newtown Square, PA, obtained a B.A., with honors, from the University of Pennsylvania, M.A. in Spanish from Bryn Mawr College, PA and a Doctorate of Education in Linguistics from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Teaching both Spanish and English, Linn�a worked at Eastern Baptist College, PA and, for over 10 years, as an instructor in the English-ESL Dept. at Kean University, Elizabeth, NJ. She was adored by her students whom she positively encouraged and inspired. She was a fluent speaker and writer of English, Spanish, and Swedish. Linn�a loved to sketch, listen to classical music, and waltz. In addition to her creativity and artistic talent, Linn�a brought enthusiasm to all of her activities, especially her contributions to numerous Swedish cultural organizations. Linn�a was always up for a good time with her family and friends and could never be beat in Trivial Pursuit, as her knowledge base was so broad. She enjoyed summers in Cape May, ski trips to Vermont, and operas at the Met in New York City. She was a voracious reader of mystery novels and Spanish prose. Along with her love of languages, art, and reading, Linn�a immensely enjoyed traveling. With her husband and family, she traveled the world, experiencing the cultures of many countries. Linn�a was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Dr. Erik G. M. T�rnqvist, and sister, Karin Mejia-Lindborg. She is survived by daughters Gunvor and Karin T�rnqvist, son Carl-Erik T�rnqvist, his wife Jen, granddaughter Livi, grandson Finn, niece Karin Jimenez, brother Carl Lindborg, his wife Sue and their son Carter. Linn�a leaves behind a host of dear friends who will cherish memories of her warm friendship and her hand-drawn Christmas and birthday cards.
The interment will be on December 14, 2015, at 2:00PM, at the Hillside Cemetery, 1401 Woodland Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ, 07076. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to the American Parkinson Disease Association.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434