Linda Mahaffey

Born on July 25, 1956, the daughter of Leon and Jean (Armour) Washburn, Linda was raised in Marquette and graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1974. Shortly before graduating high school, she married the love of her life, Steven L. Mahaffey, on November 17, 1973. Together, they built a beautiful life over the course of 51 years, raising two beloved children and sharing countless memories with family and friends.

Linda was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. In her early years, she worked at the Coffee Cup as a waitress and later at the Heritage House in housekeeping. After marrying, she spent 13 years as a finisher at Dallas Cleaners. She later served as an office manager at H & H Custodial and Errands Courier Service for 10 years, and then as a secretary for UP Rural Health until her retirement in 2011. She also spent two years as a sign language interpreter for the deaf at Graveraet Middle School, a role that exemplified her compassion and versatility.

Her greatest joy was being a grandmother-grandkids were truly her world. She loved playing Bingo, going to the casino, and embarking on spontaneous day trips to Green Bay. A passionate traveler, Linda especially loved cruises and the beauty of the Caribbean. She found joy in reconnecting with old friends, spending time with her best friend, Bette, and sharing laughter with her childhood friends, Paula, Judy, Patty, and Doe.

Linda also dedicated herself to volunteering with the Vietnam Veterans of America, especially cherishing her work with their dinner dances and community events. Her humor, sass, and deeply loving nature made her unforgettable. She was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, seen, and appreciated.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Steven Mahaffey, and her daughter Jennifer (Andy) Erickson of Marquette. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Drew and Cora Erickson and she adored her grand dog, Cash. Also surviving are sisters-in-law; Vicky Washburn, Cindy (Joe) Mahaffey and Diane Mahaffey; brothers-in-law; Victor (Valerie) Mahaffey, Marvin (Mary) Mahaffey, Edward Mahaffey and Dennis (Mickey) Mahaffey as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will also be dearly missed by her Bingo family and the many friends who were lucky enough to share in her vibrant life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Christopher Mahaffey, her brother Lee Washburn, and her sister Darlene Washburn; mother and father-in-law Ruth and Eugene Mahaffey, brothers-in-law; Bob and Gary Mahaffey and sister-in-law Cindy Mahaffey.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at UP Home Health and Hospice and Norlite Nursing Center for their loving care in Linda’s final days.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 30, beginning at 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm. Rev. Chad Ott will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com