Linda Tossey

Rev. Linda Sue Tossey, a progressive Christian pastor, teacher, loving mother, devoted grandmother, and truly sensational friend to many, died after an over two year long battle with cancer on Nov 19 in Stillwater, MN.

Linda was born in Flint, MI and graduated from Flint Southwestern Academy in 1966, and from Michigan State University in 1970 having earned a baccalaureate degree in secondary education. Following a long and successful career in education, she enrolled at United Theological Seminary where she earned a Master of Divinity degree in 2007. She was a highly accomplished student and earned many academic awards.

Linda's life was defined by her unmatched ability to love, enlighten and care for others. She brought this gift to her meaningful careers, and especially to her sisterhood of deep friendships and her loving family relationships.

As a teacher and administrator, she was passionate about creating education environments that were inspiring and fostered diversity. She began her career teaching high school English in Michigan. At one point in her career she led the recruitment and marketing for the Kansas City, MO school district to aid in the desegregation efforts of the city. Linda was also the Executive Dean at Hamilton College in Des Moines, IA before leaving to pursue Seminary.

As a pastor, first at Community Baptist Church in Warrenville, IL and later at People's Congregational Church in Bayport, MN (now St. Croix United Church) her sermons spoke to a diverse audience of Jesus followers, providing inspirational messaging about loving kindness, inclusion and equity for all, and intriguing scripture analysis. Simultaneously, she challenged people to examine age-old beliefs and traditional viewpoints of what it means to be a follower of Christ today.

As a true friend to countless people, she was what some call a "sideways thinker" and found humor in almost any situation. Her ability to laugh with others, and at herself and this crazy world, defined who she was in many ways.

As a mother and grandmother, Linda brought her full heart to nurturing each loving connection. She never missed an event, milestone or opportunity for a special moment with her family - her unconditional love and caring actions will be so deeply missed. She often said her family was her heart.

Linda is survived by her son Aaron Smaagaard, his wife Lorraine, and their three children -Lillian, Sophia and Andrew; her brother Ron Tossey (Terri); and her nieces Teresa (Ron), Marsha (Brian), and Michelle. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Margie and Lionel Tossey; her sister, Carol; and her nephew, Steven Tossey.

A Celebration of Life service for Rev. Linda S.Tossey will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14th, at St. Croix United Church in Bayport, MN.

Linda's family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the community of Linda's friends, including Sally Hanzlik, Naomi Kirstein, Jan Asnicar and Bev Evans, who have been invaluable and supportive throughout this long, difficult journey.