Linda Joan (Sandwick) Buselli, 77, of Westfield, IN, ascended to meet Jesus from her home on Sunday, August 4, 2019. She was born on December 3, 1941 in Rockford, Illinois to the late Lawrence and Angelina (Tumminello) Sandwick. Linda is survived by her husband Robert (Bob); children, Michael and Gina; sister, Donna; and three grandsons.
After graduating with a B.S. in Journalism and Communications from the University of Illinois, Linda was a news reporter in Chicago for many years. She became a devoted homemaker and housewife while raising her children, and then later spent 20 years writing for the Fellowship Herald published by the Urantia Book Fellowship, the last 18 of which she was editor-in-chief and an executive committee member of the Fellowship.
She also loved cats, painting, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family.
A memorial service will be held 1–3 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.
In lieu of sending flowers, please send donations (tax deductible) to the Urantia Book Fellowship at P.O. Box 6631, Broomfield, CO 80021 or online at https://urantiabook.worldsecuresystems.com/donation.
Dave Holt says
I know that I and many others will miss Linda. I enjoyed working with her on the Fellowship Herald and getting to know her and the family. My blessings and best wishes to Bob and the children. With love and good cheer.
Beth Challis says
Quite a few years ago, I had a fun conversation with Linda about what was going to be the final outcome of the Harry Potter series. It must have been after the publication of the 6th novel, but before the 7th, in the late 2000’s, probably. We had a lively discussion about what our opinions were on Snape’s role in the series. Such fun for two devoted fans of the series.
And as conversations go, the topic also got around to Linda’s journalist past and her knowledge of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, with all the political turmoil, protests and activisim. If I remember correctly, Linda was on staff at a Chicago paper back then, involved in the newspaper coverage of the event. Such a interesting story!
Bon voyage, Linda!
Paula Thompson says
I will miss Linda so much! I’ve worked with her for so many years and have so depended on her ready spirit, kind demeanor and gentle wisdom. It’s hard to believe that she has actually left this world for higher and holier realms, but our loss is their gain! God speed dear Sister in Christ! I love you!
There Is No Death
by Anonymous
There is a plan far greater than the plan you know;
There is a landscape broader than the one you see.
There is a haven where storm-tossed souls may go–
You call it death–we, immortality.
You call it death–this seeming endless sleep;
We call it birth–the soul at last set free.
‘Tis hampered not by time or space–you weep.
Why weep at death? ‘Tis immortality.
Farewell, dear voyageur–’twill not be long.
Your work is done–now may peace rest with thee.
Your kindly thoughts and deeds–they will live on.
This is not death–’tis immortality.
Farewell, dear voyageur–the river winds and turns;
The cadence of your song wafts near to me,
And now you know the thing that all men learn:
There is no death–there’s immortality.
Doreen Heyne says
Linda and I met when we were elected to the Gen. Council for a nine yr. term in 2000. The Exec. Comm. met 4 times a year so Linda, Paula and myself roomed together. She shared how proud she was of Michael and Gina every time we came together. Linda and Bob moved to Scranton, Pa. for a while and they attended our N.Y. society meetings. She stayed at my home a few times before they moved on to Indiana.
She had the most balanced personality, responsible and dedicated as Publication Chair. This summer was the 1st time Bob and Linda was not at the S.S.S. that I can remember and certainly left a void.
Bob, I never met a more devoted husband as you were to Linda.
I am so happy she came into my life and left a supreme value of her heart and soul with all those whom she touched. A beautiful person who will be missed.
Our loss is the Mansion World’s gain.
Stephen H Zendt says
Linda Buselli graduated, after providing such wise and essential leadership to Publications for URANTIA BOOK FELLOWSHIP, over many years. Her innate sense of “how things should be” connected the readership with the varied writers who provided content.
God bless dear Linda for her knowledge, experience, and courage!
Eugenia Leasure Bryan says
Linda touched so many lives in so many ways. Her devotion to her work, her family, her friends was so obvious as she brought truth, beauty and yes, goodness to all within her very wide sphere of life and always with mindful service.
This quote from Helen Keller speaks for me. “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” May her family rejoice for the love she has given not only to them but also so many others.
Anthony Finstad says
I had the great pleasure of serving with Linda on the Executive Committee of the Fellowship for many years. She was very devoted to her Publications Committee and under her capable leadership we saw our faith community grow worldwide, in great part as a result of these high quality publications that connected us as a family. Thank-you for this amazing service!
Linda taught me several valuable lessons in life over the years but I must say she was an example to me of never judging a person by their exterior. Linda had so many talents and interests that on the surface one might glance over her depth and bright mind. By sitting with a person and sincerely listening to their heart you can gain real insight to their soul.
Linda also modeled for me that you don’t need to talk during a meeting unless you have something of value to contribute. When Linda did speak, she most often added new insight to the conversation. I’ll miss serving with Linda and hearing her voice of wisdom. Until we meet again.
Much love & respect to the Buselli family.
Jennifer Clark says
Gina and family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in all the good memories and knowing she is no longer suffering but in paradise with Jesus now. How blessed she is! How blessed you all were to have her for you mom. We all became a family theough gymnastics and I remember your parents fondly. I remmeber our moms and the craft fairs. Good times! Sending hugs and love and prayers!!
Jenny (Bess) Clark and family
Rick&Susan Lyon says
The manner in which we face death is a reflection of the way we face life. And Linda faced death without fear, with loyal steadfast faith, and security in the love of God. Two days before Linda graduated, Susan and I spoke to her by phone. She said, “I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I don’t look forward to going through it but I am not afraid of it.”
When we talk about Linda, we usually say “Bob and Linda” because they are truly two people who were joined together not only in marriage but in their life’s purpose, passion, and service. We often referred to Linda as our human search engine because she could find something in The Urantia Book often before Google could find it. Seriously!
No greater love can a we have than to give our life for others. Linda gave her life for others as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a leader, and a servant. She dedicated her life to unselfish service to God and Mankind. There is no greater love than this.
Shannon Middleton says
I meet Linda many years ago at Barnes and Noble during a discussion group. We remained friends throughout the years, meeting for breakfast once a month. She was a sweet motherly figure. You could talk to Linda about anything, life, books, God. I admired her vast knowledge and welcomed her wisdom. She was also a expert knitter and crocheter and made many beautiful projects. I enjoyed her sweet, gentle spirit and will always think of her fondly. She will be greatly missed.
Jeff Lomax says
Linda seemed to fear not and to be of good cheer as she went through life. Rarely, if ever, did I have a contact with her from which I did not leave feeling buoyed and reassured that the universe really was ruled by reciprocal affection. Greater praise is hard to come by on the material worlds.