Linda Sue Kopytek, 79, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away surrounded by the love of her daughter and grandchildren whose lives bear the imprint of her devotion, encouragement, faith, and generous spirit.

Linda was born on October 16, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, to Raymond Allen Karcher and Ella Anna Rawls Karcher. Her mother died when Linda was just 15 years old, an early loss that became part of a life ultimately characterized by resilience, independence, and a deep commitment to caring for others.

Intelligent and determined, Linda pursued an education at a time when women were only beginning to enter many technical professions. She earned a degree in Computer Science from Wright State University in 1969 and began her professional life working as a computer programmer on mainframe computers. She held a variety of positions throughout her career including Monsanto and Monarch Marking. Her accomplishments reflected the curiosity, capability, and quiet determination that those who knew her would recognize throughout her life. When her daughter was born, Linda became a stay-at-home Mom until she reached the second grade. During her homemaking career, she often enjoyed gardening, utilizing homeopathic methods for health, and sewing clothes for her daughter.

Linda was a devout Catholic whose faith was an enduring foundation of her life. She faithfully attended Sunday Mass, prayed constantly and deepened her spiritual commitment by joining the Third Order of Mary. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it informed the way she lived, served, cared for others, and approached the joys and hardships of life. When a difficult situation would arise, she would always pray that "The glory of God will be shown through it."

She loved celebrations of every kind and delighted in planning gatherings that brought people together. If Linda planned the party, no guest ever needed to wonder whether there would be enough food because she encouraged attendees to continue eating, even if full. She was famous for the "Karcher scoop" of ice cream which was really the entire bowl. For Linda, feeding people was one more way of loving them.

She had a distinctive style all her own. Often seen in dresses and skirts, Linda preferred modest clothing and a natural, no-makeup appearance. She knew who she was and lived accordingly. It was only after she suffered with vascular dementia that she enjoyed getting her nails done at the salon regularly with her daughter and enjoyed picking bright colors, especially blue.

More important than anything she accomplished, however, was the way Linda showed up for people. She was always willing to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, or remind someone of their value to God. She was a natural cheerleader for the people she loved, encouraging them to do their best, believe in themselves, and approach life with confidence.

Linda treasured being a grandmother. She shared adventures with her grandsons and created memories they will carry throughout their lives, including two memorable road trips—one traveling historic Route 66 and another exploring the California coast. Those journeys reflected something essential about Linda: time together mattered, experiences mattered, and memories ARE worth making.

Her extraordinary capacity for friendship was perhaps nowhere more evident than in her relationship with her best friend of more than 50 years, Patricia MacDonald. As Patricia's health declined, Linda cared for her during the final years of her life, remaining beside her longtime friend until Patricia's death on April 4, 2024. Their friendship was one of enduring loyalty, companionship, and love. Other notable events on April 4th were the death of her Mother on 4/4/1962 and the birth of her Daughter on 4/4/1978.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Colleen Marie Green; her four grandsons, Dalton Christian Green, Casimir James (“CJ”) Green, Brennen Andrew Green, and Jude Samuel Green; her sister, Karen (Gary) Klein; her niece, Elizabeth (Jared) Staab; her great-nieces, Josephine and Ella; and her great-nephew, Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Allen Karcher (born 4/2/1917) and Ella Anna Rawls Karcher (born 10/5/1917); her former husband, Patrick Kopytek; and her beloved lifelong friend, Patricia MacDonald.

Linda's legacy cannot be measured simply by the years she lived or the work she accomplished. It lives in the people she encouraged, the family she loved, the friend she faithfully cared for, the grandchildren with whom she created adventures, the tables around which she gathered people, and the countless times she was present and showed—through her words or actions—that she believed in them.

She taught those around her to show up, to help when help was needed, to celebrate generously, to have faith / love God, accept your Cross to bear, and to believe in themselves.

And there was always enough food.

Linda will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the many people fortunate enough to have been cherished by her.