Linda R. Van Goeye
August 2, 1949 – May 10, 2026
A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park, South, A public memorial reception will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Heritage Christian Reformed Church 2857 S. 11th St., Kalamazoo. Family, friends and members of the community are warmly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice in Linda’s honor.
Obituary
Linda Ruth Van Goeye, of Paw Paw, MI passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 76.
Linda lived a simple life, but the love, joy, and heart she carried within it were anything but small.
She spent 42 years working at Stryker Corporation in packaging and logistics, building a life grounded in loyalty, consistency, and quiet dedication. She loved to travel, treasured time with friends, and found happiness in experiences that brought wonder, laughter, and connection.
Linda had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved cats, whom she cared for like family. She had a tender heart and a gentle spirit that revealed itself most beautifully in the simple things.
One of Linda’s greatest joys was Disney — especially Mickey Mouse. Her face would light up with childlike excitement at the smallest reminders of the magic she loved so much. Her ability to imitate Mickey Mouse perfectly could instantly bring laughter and smiles to those around her. What may have seemed silly or small to others was, for Linda, a doorway into joy.
And perhaps that was one of her greatest gifts.
She reminded the people who loved her that life is not truly about possessions, status, or appearances. It is about laughter. Connection. Wonder. Shared moments. A warm heart. A smile that spreads across your face before you even realize it’s happening.
Those who knew Linda beyond the surface knew a woman full of empathy, understanding, and love. She touched more hearts than she likely ever realized and leaves behind memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.
For those who loved her, Mickey Mouse will never quite be the same again.
She will be deeply missed.
Linda is survived by a sister-in-law, Connie Van Goeye; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Sandy) Van Goeye, Shelly (Kevin) French, Eric (Kathy) Van Goeye; several great-nieces and nephews; many friends. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Andrew Van Goeye Jr., Raymond Van Goeye.
Linda would light up our Bible Studies that she faithfully attended of the past 3 years. Always eager to learn more and share what she had learned means she will be deeply missed. Linda was one of the first people I got to know when I moved back to Kalamazoo after retirement and we became friends at Greenwood Reformed Church and continued that friendship at Heritage Christian Reformed both of which she attended Bible Study. I have never passed a Mickey Mouse memorabilia without thinking of Linda. She was a dear friend and I will miss her but celebrate her going home to where she truly belongs, in the arms of Jesus.