Linda Douglas, 72, passed away March 27, 2015, surrounded by her family after an unexpected but courageous battle with stomach cancer. She handled this unbelievable crisis with immense grace; her firm belief in God and devotion to her family gave her peace. Linda was born on October 1, 1942. She received a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from UNL in 1974. She completed her Undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and her Master’s degree from Appalachian State. Linda finished her 36 year career at Lincoln Public Schools as the Director of Special Education. After retiring from LPS in 2005, she worked for 11 years as an Adjunct Professor at UNL and Nebraska Wesleyan University, teaching Special Education courses. She also worked with the NE Dept. of Education for the past 10 years. Linda was a dedicated and integral member of Eastridge Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and served as Elder, Clerk of the Session, and Deacon.
Linda is survived by her husband (Aaron), daughter (Heather)—both of Lincoln, NE—and her brothers (Lynn Echerd and John Hall Echerd) and sister (Thelma McLeod) of Taylorsville, NC. Her brothers William, Howard, and Bruce Echerd precede her in death.
Linda’s Memorial Service will be on April 11, 2015 at 11 am at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive Lincoln, NE, and will be followed by a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory may be directed to the family and will be used for Church projects she designated and for establishing a Scholarship for students pursuing degrees in Special Education. The family will hold a private Committal ceremony at Wyuka Cemetery prior to the Memorial service.
I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Linda. She was my daughter’s instructor last year at UNL and was so very kind to her as she also was battling cancer. She passed away in January and I was so touched that Linda came to her visitation. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this most difficult time.
Brenda Cannon
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Linda when she was the Special Education Director at Lincoln Public Schools. I admired her and respected her. May she rest in peace.
I was sorry to hear about the passing of Linda. She was such a hard and dedicated person, to her work and her family. I worked with her at LPS, and even before LPS when I was in college. My thoughts and prays are with all of you who mourn this wonderful person’s loss.
I’m thinking of you, Heather and Aaron.
I am sad to think of Linda’s passing. She had a place in my heart and mind. She was always such an advocate for students and parents. God bless her family, the world will not be the same with her gone.
I am sorry to hear of Linda’s death. Linda was the director of Special Educator when I first worked for LPS, my first job out of college. Last semester, Linda taught my college-age daughter in a Sped class at UNL. Linda educated and touched many! Prayers to you.
I was saddened to read of Linda’s death. I know it is tough to lose a mother/wife — after all a mother seems to be the glue that always keeps everything and everyone running smoothly. I am praying for you — I had hoped to be at the service on Saturday but I had already committed to helping at a math “thing” on Saturday morning. But I will be thinking of you.
Aaron and family,
I did not know Linda personally but after reading her obituary she sounds like such a wonderful person. Prayers to all of the family during this difficult time. Brock and Trishel Owens
I was sorry to hear about Linda’s passing. She was the first principal I worked for when coming to work in the Lincoln Public Schools. Linda was an advocate for providing staff development for teachers at her school. I learned so much from her. She worked to see that the needs of both students and parents were met by the staff that worked for her. Linda brought a specialness to the realm of education by her dedication and spirit.Aaron and Heather you are in my prayers. Losing a parent or a spouse is never easy.
Aaron and Heather, I was so saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. She was always cheerful, optimistic and bright! She was a lovely neighbor and when I think of her I think of how glad she always seemed to see me and how good it made me feel. I noticed that she did that for everybody. She really did love people and she was so passionate about her work! May she be forever close to your hearts and may the the Lord comfort you, sustain you and give you strength.
My condolences to your family on the passing of your beloved wife, mother, and sister. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Linda’s passion for special education was the reason that I became a special education teacher. As a sophomore in college, I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life but that all soon changed after my first education class which happened to be Introduction to Special Education. Linda’s enthusiasm that all students were special and deserved to learn was what inspired me to do what I do everyday. I have been a special education teacher for 5 years in LPS and she is and always will be a very revered leader in this district. God bless you all!