Linda Reynolds Israel's Obituary
Linda Reynolds Israel, born Linda Carol Lesco on July 11, 1950 in Wichita, KS, died on August 23, 2023. She is preceded in death by her mother, Billie Jan Green, (aka Willa Mae Dunks Lesco) of Redwood City, CA, and her father, Robert Wesley Lesco of Wichita, KS. Her grandparents were W.C. Dunks and Charlene Blackburn Tway; her great grandparents were Mary Elizabeth Hardt Blackburn and Charles Blackburn; her great-great grandparents were Frederick William Hardt and Susanna Jane Flowers Hardt; and her 3x great grandparents were Marie Anna Haller Hardt and Henry Christian Hardt, making Linda a direct ancestor of the Texas first families.
Linda grew up in Redwood City, California and attended Sequoia High School. A lifelong learner, she also attended the University of California in San Francisco. As a child she was a dog handler in several AKC dog shows, showing Boxers and winning ribbons. Later in life her love of animals continued as Linda became an accomplished equestrian, as well as a canine handler in law enforcement. A former U. S. Marshall, Linda served her country in several capacities within the law enforcement realm, including working as a border patrol agent, translator and instructor.
Linda loved the color blue, fashion, art, music and interior design. With her beautiful, sparkling blue eyes she enjoyed seeing the country through travel, and meeting new people from all walks of life. She had a passion for life that kept her strong throughout every obstacle she encountered. Linda’s determination to overcome adversity was a marvel to many - especially the doctors and nurses that treated her over the last ten years.
She will be remembered as an elegant warrior that enhanced the lives of all who knew her, and her memory is a blessing. Linda is survived by her siblings and their children.
Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound. I'd rather see you up than see you down. So leave me if you need to, I will still remember angel flying too close to the ground… Willie Nelson
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