Linda McLaughlin Howard

Linda McLaughlin Howard died unexpectedly on January 3, 2024 in Knoxville, TN. She was the best friend and devoted wife of Bruce, beloved mother of Jessica and Michael, mother-in-law to David and Caroline, loving Nonna to Sullivan, Graham, Owen and yet-to-be born baby boy Howard, cherished sister to Sue, Dugan and Molly and friend to all. Linda was born on January 10, 1961 to John and Pat McLaughlin in Plainville, NJ. Her family moved to Knoxville and she grew up in the Rocky Hill area, graduating from Bearden High School. Linda remained closely connected to many of her high school friends and was instrumental in organizing their reunions, both formal and informal. She was active in the Lunch Bunch, her Bearden Book Club and celebrated life’s milestones with her many girlfriends. Linda worked at TIS Insurance Services, Inc. as a construction surety bond professional and was considered one of the finest bond professionals in the region, respected by all including her competitors. She was heavily involved in the construction industry including Associated General Contractors, the Association of Builders and Contractors and Women in Construction. Linda had a zest and enthusiasm for life and especially enjoyed activities that benefited others. She was instrumental in the Tiny Trees Program at Children’s Hospital which provides a small Christmas tree in the room of each patient. She spearheaded the 1st Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament for Gary Toulson this past November raising funds for Parkinson’s disease. Every St. Patrick’s Day found her decked out in green, participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrating her Irish heritage with a cold beer! Linda had a wonderful gift for entertaining and her home was warm and welcoming to all. No doubt the light of her life and the source of her joy was her family. She and Bruce were married for almost 40 years and she absolutely loved being mother to Jessica and Michael. She was the ultimate baseball mom and reveled in every minute of their softball or baseball games. Her three Overton grandsons, Sullivan, Graham and Owen, were a source of pure joy for her. She was eagerly awaiting the birth of her fourth grandson in March. Any gathering of family was special for her, but the culmination of her year was the annual beach vacation with Bruce, her children and the grandkids each summer. Linda was predeceased by her parents, John and Pat McLaughlin, and brothers, Tighe and Michael. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Howard, daughter and son-in-law Jessica and David Overton and their sons, Sullivan, Graham and Owen and her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Caroline Howard and Baby Boy Howard due in March. She is also survived by her siblings Sue Greer (Tommy), Dugan (Stephanie) McLaughlin and Molly (Marc) Miller. She is also survived by her in-laws Chip Howard (Kecia Armstrong), Julie Howard (Ted Flickinger) and Margaret and Chris Jourdan. Her nieces and nephews include Shelley McLaughlin Scott, Reid McLaughlin, Hailey McLaughlin Seals, Tighe Greer, Connor Greer, Patty Greer, McLain Miller, Gaevin Miller, Matthew Jourdan and Katie Miller. She has numerous great-nieces and nephews and many McLaughlin cousins. Her memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, with receiving of friends prior to the service from 2:00 – 4:00. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts are requested to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, P. O. Box 15010, Knoxville, TN 37901. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Linda McLaughlin Howard

January 10, 1961 - January 3, 2024