Linda P. FurnerNorth Brookfield- Linda P. Furner, 70, a life-long farmer passed away peacefully with the love and support of her husband, Frank and her beloved family on Monday, June 24, 2019 at Faxton - St. Luke's Healthcare Center.She was born April 21, 1949 on her family farm in Sangerfield, the daughter of the late Howard and Francis Olmstead Ditch. Her parents passed when Linda was of a young age. Along with her brothers and sisters, they continued to run the family farm to support the family. Along with farming, Linda graduated from Waterville Central High School. In between chores and school work, Linda excelled as an athlete and was a record setter at Waterville High School in women's softball and track. On August 31, 1968, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, she married her soulmate, Frank V. Furner. Linda was a devoted farm wife, balancing the duties of wife, mother and farmer. Somewhere in between working on the farm with Frank, raising young children, Linda found time to be involved in her favorite sports. She played on adult softball leagues in Brookfield and played for Roger's Market's Team in Hamilton. She also coached Modified Soccer at Waterville Central School, Waterville Little League Softball and Waterville AYSO. Linda also donated her time at the Waterville CCC nursery school in Waterville. A life-long parishioner of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, she also served as a former Religious Education Teacher. She was a former Fire Commissioner of the North Brookfield Fire Department. With five children at home, Linda kept an "open door" policy at her home. Many of her children's friends knew her as "mom" and she thought of them as "her adopted children." Many fond memories and great times were because the door was always open to anyone. Linda was known and respected for her honesty. Whenever someone or a group needed a helping hand, Linda was always there. She had many loves: the L.A. Dodgers, the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Cowboys, NASCAR's Richard Petty and the King himself, Elvis Presley. Most of all, Linda will be remembered for her love and devotion to Frank, her children, grandchildren, farming and her community.Linda is survived by her husband of almost 51 joyous years, Frank; her beloved children Dan Furner (Melanie) of North Brookfield, Mike Furner (Danielle) of Waterville, Jennifer Collins (Curtis) of North Brookfield, Sarah Davis (David) of North Brookfield, Cara Youker (Scott) of Titusville, FL. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Ditch, of North Brookfield, her brother, Walter "Mike" Ditch, of North Brookfield, her half sister, Betty Sabine of Rome, her special niece, Brenda Gates of North Brookfield and her most cherished grandchildren: Austin, Kayla, Jonathan, Morgan, Kaitlyn, Brayton, McKenna, Connor, Anthony and Carter. Linda is also survived by daughter-in-laws Laurel Furner and Barbara Hill Furner and her dear friend of many years, Pam Bugbee . She is also survived by numerous "adopted children," nieces, nephews and dear close friends.Linda's selflessness in putting others first was evident in the devotion of care shown to her in-laws, Eugene and Martha Furner, allowing them to remain at home until their passing. Linda is also survived by sister in laws Vera (Herbert) Bell, Mary Furner, Beatrice Furner and Nancy Ditch. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Francis, her brothers, Kenneth Ditch and Donald Ditch, half brother Phillip Moon, half sister, Doris Lewis and sister in law Joyce Schnell. Her family would like to extend special thanks to her medical care team: Dr. Mian and Dr Eldridge from Mohawk Valley Nephrology, the Hamilton Dialysis Center, MVHS ICU Department and Dr. Lindsey and his staff at MVHS Wound Clinic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 11:00AM at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Waterville, with Rev. Lukasz Kozowski, Pastor, as Celebrant. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 4-7PM, at the Paul Funeral Home of Brookfield. Following Mass, Interment will be in St. Bernard's cemetery, Waterville. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held immediately following Interment at the North Brookfield Fire Department Community Hall. To offer a condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.PaulFuneralHome.net In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Linda to the North Brookfield Fire Department, 9199 Main Street, North Brookfield, New York 13418.

Visitation

Thursday, June 27, 2019 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Paul Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Brookfield
10426 Church Street Brookfield 13314, United States

Service

Friday, June 28, 2019 11:00 AM
St. Bernard's Catholic Church
199 Stafford Ave Waterville 13480, United States