Linda McElroy

LINDA TORNGA MC ELROY

Linda McElroy of Allen Park passed away peacefully April 26, 2014 at Georgia House in Charlevoix after a three-year battle with cancer.

On May 7, 1948 Linda Tornga was born to the late Jacob and Alice (McElroy) Tornga in Charlevoix. She grew up in rural Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1966. From there she began a 41-year career with the airline industry and retired from Delta Airlines in 2009.

On September 28, 1970 on a Hawaiian beach she married Andries Steketee, and 15 years later they divorced.

Her career provided her with opportunities to travel to many places that were of interest to her. She continued to explore the world. She and her sister traveled to Ireland, and she decided to change her last name to McElroy to reflect the love of her Irish heritage.

Her favorite color was pink and she enjoyed adding the color pink to items that were not pink or needed more pink.

Flower gardening was a hobby as was decorating elaborately for social events and holidays. She loved nature and pets and recently became involved with the pet rescue Shelter to Home.

She will be missed by her brothers Jack (Ardith) Tornga, Jerry (Sharon Earle) Tornga, sister Laurel (Don) Owen aunts and uncles Mary (Bob) Best, Grace and Albert Tornga, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, especially Rosie Huber who was always there for her when her family was unable.

The family wishes to recognize the staff at Georgia House for the loving care, understanding and compassion shown to Linda during and are also grateful to Hospice of Northwest Michigan.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth with a service at 1 p.m. The Rev. Chris Wallace will officiate. Final resting place will be Atwood Cemetery.