Linda Cybul, age 70, of Lyons, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024. She was a vibrant servant of the Lord, whose love and kindness touched many. Linda was a beloved sister to Chuck Cybul (Mary Beth), Barb Austin (John), Jim Cybul (Mindy), and Joe Cybul (Lisa). She was also a loving aunt to Lauren Austin, Valerie Cybul, and Vincent Cybul.

 

The list of Linda’s friends is too long for our space here.

 

Linda Marie was born on June 28, 1954, in Berwyn, IL. She was the second child of Joseph Cybulski, a real estate agent, and Genevieve Cybulski, known as Jean. Linda’s surname was Cybulski for a few years until her father changed it to Cybul. Either way, Linda was a true Polish princess.

 

Linda joined her brother, Chuck, three years older than her. Next came Barb, Jimmy, and Joey. If you spent time with Linda, you likely heard of her love for the sweet family God gave her.

 

Linda enjoyed a happy childhood in Riverside, IL, and graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1972. These, too, were happy years. And Linda was physically active during this time. She passionately played tennis with her sister, Barb, enjoyed figure skating, and lounged by the pool. Though Linda took piano lessons as a child, the guitar captured her heart. As a high schooler, Linda loved to play guitar and sing. Her love for music followed her throughout her life.

 

Sadly, Linda’s father died when she was 16 years old. With her mother returning to work, she became Babysitter Supreme to the gang at home. Without hesitation, Linda embraced her role. She made the ordinary fun. She told fantastical stories, took brother Jimmy to left-field bleachers at Cubs’ games, and dropped everything for an ice cream run.

 

Linda’s rapport with children served her well for her entire life. Though she never bore children, hordes of them experienced her mother’s heart. By nature, Linda was a storyteller, adventure seeker, and gentle teaser. Just ask any child in her car. Moments after take-off, they were no longer riding in a brown Taurus but jumping into hyperspace in the Millennium Falcon of Star Wars. Yes, children loved Linda. And no visit to her room was complete without a dip in the candy dish.

 

What forged this loving woman? When Linda was 19, she began a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. She finally understood His gift of salvation. Linda could not earn salvation by what she did for God. Instead, she received it by what He did for her on the cross.

 

Her guitar playing and singing turned to heartfelt praise and worship.

 

A few years after becoming a born-again Christian, Linda became an integral part of Wellspring Christian Church, her spiritual home, for the next 48 years. Her love for God and obedience to Him despite hardship inspired everyone there. Her unwavering kindness both encouraged and convicted them.

 

After high school, Linda trained as a medical technologist. In those days, techs drew blood and ran lab tests. It gave Linda an avenue to care for the sick. As much as she loved it, it was not her favorite job. That was serving as church secretary for Wellspring, which she did for as long as she was able.

 

When Linda was 22, doctors diagnosed her with aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. She always had a tender heart for those who hurt. Her suffering only intensified her compassion for others. When Linda could no longer work, she moved in with the James Riggins family. She stayed with them until her death, 44 years later.

 

Linda was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan. She enjoyed watching Olympic figure skating, gymnastics, NASCAR racing, the Indy 500, and Rafael Nadal on the tennis court. Hallmark mysteries intrigued her without scaring her. And a tasty sweet made her eyes light up.

 

Yet, of all that marked her life, Linda’s greatest legacy was her intimacy with the Lord.

 

Linda’s wake will be Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street in Countryside, Illinois 60525. The funeral will be at the same location at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26. Interment will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Stickney. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to joniandfriends.org and Wellspring Christian Church.

 

For Service Info: 708-352-6500