News Summary
Linda England, known for her creative window messages that inspired many during the pandemic, passed away unexpectedly. Her family shared their grief on Instagram, emphasizing her impact in Lakewood. Linda’s messages encouraged civic engagement and community connection, leading to a memorial service honoring her life. She was a champion of local issues, promoting dialogue and traffic safety, and her messages left a lasting legacy of love and creativity in the neighborhood.
Lakewood – Linda England, affectionately known as Linda Marie Ford on social media, passed away unexpectedly this past Saturday, leaving her family and community in mourning. The England family announced her death through an emotional post on Instagram, expressing their devastation and remembering her as a person who loved deeply and was beloved by all who knew her.
Linda became a familiar figure in Lakewood when she began displaying creative messages on the 36 window panes of her home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative initially started as a tribute to her father’s 80th birthday with the message “Happy 80th Birthday, Pops!” It quickly evolved into a platform for a wide range of messages that captured the attention of passersby and residents alike.
Her messages not only included playful quips like “What’s A Pig with No Legs? A Groundhog!” but also addressed political issues with statements such as “Hate Never Made Any Nation Great.” In addition, Linda was proactive about civic engagement, encouraging locals to register to vote and emphasizing the importance of traffic safety by reminding drivers to slow down on her street.
Despite facing occasional criticism from neighbors for her bold and pointed declarations, both Linda and her husband found that her window messages often sparked meaningful dialogue within the community. Linda believed in fostering civil discourse and insisted that democracy thrives only when everyone takes part in it. Her active contributions to the local environment demonstrated her commitment to engaging her neighbors.
Linda documented her creative efforts on her Instagram account, @artfromthequeen, where she shared the evolution of her window messages. These signs not only became a source of enjoyment for many but also a way for the community to connect, as families would stop to read and respond to her messages. One of the most heartwarming moments for Linda was when children left candy on her porch as a gesture of gratitude for her message “Keep Calm and Send Chocolate!”
A memorial service to honor Linda’s life and contributions is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Community members are expected to gather to pay their respects and celebrate her impact on Lakewood.
The inspiration for using her windows as a message board emerged from neighborhood emails during the early days of the pandemic. These communications included efforts to display signs to celebrate local children’s birthdays, encouraging a sense of connection during a challenging time. Linda’s window messages contributed to a vibrant dialogue around her residence and beyond, prompting residents to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
Linda’s enthusiasm for community participation extended beyond the window messages. She promoted civic engagement actively, reassuring her neighbors that their voices mattered in shaping the community. Her legacy is defined by her spirit of love, creativity, and her unwavering dedication to making Lakewood a place where voices are heard and valued.
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Linda England’s Passing
- Lakewood Advocate: Linda Marie Ford
- WFAA: Dallas Woman’s Window Messages
- Lakewood Advocate: Dos and Don’ts of Squirrels
- News Tribune: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Lakewood
- Google Search: Linda England Window Messages
- Google Scholar: Linda England Lakewood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Engagement
- Google News: Linda England
