Linda Sue Spade

Linda Sue Spade, 60, of Bridgeport, IL, formerly of Flat Rock, IL, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL, on Christmas Day, 2024—a poignant farewell on her favorite holiday. Linda was a bright light to all who knew her, her life a joyful celebration of family, sports, and the magic of the season.

Born on March 1, 1964, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Robert & Juanita Kathryn “Kate” (Coombes) Cawood, Linda grew up in Flat Rock, where her lifelong love of cheering others on first took root. As a spirited Flat Rock Rocket cheerleader, she embodied enthusiasm, a trait that followed her into motherhood and beyond. After graduating from Robinson High School in 1982, Linda carried her cheerleader’s spirit into motherhood, where raising her four children became her greatest joy. Whether crafting hair bows, sewing clothes, or signing her kids up for every extracurricular activity imaginable, Linda was all-in every step of the way. It should come as no surprise that she was her family’s biggest cheerleader, to the point that she risked getting kicked out of more than a couple of their ballgames!

It was actually at a ballgame in May of 1988 where Linda met her soulmate, Joseph Spade, who was serving as an umpire. They were married on October 26, 1988, and shared 36 wonderful years together. During the 18 years they lived in Pontiac, IL, Linda and Joe became staples at the Boys and Girls Club. While Joe refereed and coached, Linda coached everything from soccer to softball, volleyball, and basketball. As commissioner of the softball league, she poured her energy into creating opportunities for kids to grow and thrive. Her passion for sports reached its peak every time the Indiana Hoosiers took the court. For Linda, Bobby Knight could do no wrong, and the Big Ten Network was her channel of choice year-round. Basketball, baseball, volleyball—it didn’t matter the sport; if it featured Hoosiers, Linda was glued to the screen, arms waving and cheering with all her might. Her devotion to the team was equal parts legendary and infectious.

Her enthusiasm for life didn’t stop at the sidelines—Linda embraced the great outdoors with that same boundless energy. Camping trips were a staple of her family’s life, whether it was setting up camp at Kentucky Lake, exploring the beauty of Illinois and Indiana, or enjoying the warmth of Florida winters. Fishing was another favorite pastime, though her family still chuckles about her most memorable “catch”—a spark plug. From watching sunsets at the campsite to sharing meals under the open sky, Linda found joy in the simple pleasures of nature, always making memories that her loved ones will cherish forever.

Her home was the heart of her family and a haven for her children’s friends. Known as “Grandma Babysitter”, she welcomed every child into her world with open arms. In fact, if she spotted a baby at the Flat Rock Homecoming, Linda was the first in line to hold them! Her laughter was infectious, her wit was sharp, and her sense of humor—often silly or delightfully mischievous—brought joy to everyone around her. She could be counted on for an unforgettable one-liner or a goofy story, like an infamous camping mishap that earned her the nickname “Grandma Doody.”

Christmas was Linda’s favorite holiday, and she lived the season with the same enthusiasm she brought to every aspect of her life. She spent countless hours driving to see Christmas lights, crafting handmade gifts, and making the season magical for her children and grandchildren. Her favorite movie, Christmas Vacation, played on repeat year-round, and she quoted it so often that it became part of her family’s vernacular. As one line from the film so aptly puts it, “It’s the spirit of the season. We’re all in this together.” Linda lived this spirit every day, bringing people together with her laughter, love, and the joy she found in life’s simplest moments.

Linda’s legacy of love lives on through her devoted husband, Joe, and her children & their spouses: Darcee & Adam Dunlap, Kendra & Justin Courtney, Ethan & Candace Spade, and Katelyn & Blake Spade. She poured her heart into her grandchildren, Dylan Tohill, Ayden Dunlap, Ezekiel Courtney, Alaric Spade, and Atreus Spade, and cherished her siblings, Doug & Terrie Cawood, Larry & Mary Jane Cawood, and Sandy Redman. She is also survived by her father-in-law, Rollie Spade; her brothers-in-law, Chris Spade and Tony Spade; her sister-in-law, Doris Cawood; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant grandchildren, Parker Wayne Courtney and Jaythen Wayne Courtney; her brothers, David & wife Mary Cawood and Robert “Rob” Cawood; her mother-in-law, Geneva Tracy; her brother-in-law, Kelly Spade; and several cherished aunts and uncles.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m., with Beverly Hemrich officiating. Linda will be laid to rest in Jones Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to her memorial fund, with checks payable to “Goodwine Funeral Homes.”