Linda Massa

HAMILTON - Linda Massa, 65, of Hamilton died peacefully at the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center after a year and a half battle with colon cancer surrounded by her family. Linda was the picture of courage and strength, never complaining or feeling bitter about this disease.

Linda was born in Ekalaka, Montana to parents William and Madlon Brence the second of 9 children. She spent her early years on the family ranch 28 miles outside of Ekalaka, just miles from the South Dakota border. She graduated from Ekalaka High School in 1965.

Her first two and a half years of undergraduate education were at MSU in Bozeman, and she finished her Elementary Education degree in 1970 at Northern Montana College in Havre. Linda taught in Havre and then Arlee after moving to Missoula in 1972.

While going to school in Bozeman, she met Michael Dean Massa. They married March 22, 1968 in Ekalaka, beginning 45 years of life together. On January 17, 1981, they welcomed to the world their only child, Deana Lyn Massa. Linda was Deana's best friend and loudest cheerleader.

Looking for a new challenge, Mike and Linda moved to Hamilton in 1979, purchased a lumberyard, and renamed it Massa Home Center. In 2003, they decided to build a new location for Massa Home Center on the north end of Hamilton. Linda loved her work and the people she got to see every day. After her granddaughters were born, Linda's office at the store doubled as a nursery. She worked at the store until weeks before her death.

Linda is survived by her husband Mike; daughter, Deana and son-in-law, Jeff Wolfe; granddaughters, Gwen and Josie Wolfe; her mother, Madlon; brothers, Dave, Charlie, Paul and Larry Brence; sisters, Kathy Keneally, Jeri Thieme, Terri Sullivan, and Lori Turnbough; as well as many loved nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, William; mother-in-law, Gwen Massa; father-in-law, Mike Massa; brothers-in-law, Jack Keneally, Tommy Massa and Fred Heer; sister-in-law, Vicki Brence; and nephew Mark Thieme.

Linda devoted her time to her family, especially her granddaughters, and to community service. She was a past president of the local Soroptimist club and a Bitterroot Youth Home board member. Linda especially loved planning the BYH gala, something she took part in for the first 10 years of the event. Linda and Mike loved to travel together, and Linda's cancer diagnosis did not change that. In the last few years, they visited Hawaii, sailed on a Caribbean cruise, took a 10 day horseback trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and spent many weekends camping in their RV.

Linda's family would like to thank all of the nurses, doctors, and staff at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and Ravalli Family Medicine; as well as all our Wednesday chemo friends, especially Dr. Ries, who was always on "Team Linda".

In honor of Linda, be strong, be brave, and be kind.

In memory of Linda, the family welcomes donations to the Bitterroot Youth Home (196 Providence Way, Hamilton, MT 59840) or the Hamilton Soroptimist Club (SI Hamilton, PO Box 1012, Hamilton, MT 59840). Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.