Linda Kay McShurley (Engebretson), 68 years young, passed away with her children by her side on Friday, February 9, 2018 after a short but gutsy battle with cancer.
Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to her loving parents, Donald Engebretson and Kathryn Engebretson on September 26, 1949. Linda graduated from Moorhead High School in 1967 where she was proud to be a “SPUD”. Her life took her far from the cold Midwest to Ft. Myers, Florida where she found her love for the beach. One more bounce back to Moorhead before finally settling in Gilbert, Arizona where she lived within miles of her children and grandchildren.
Working for 28 ½ years at Southwest Airlines as a Manager in their Reservation Center, Linda made many close friends who became family. She was thrilled to retire in 2015 and was able to spend time with all of her favorite people and enjoy the retired life. You would often find her shopping or planning the next big vacation with her newfound extra time. One wouldn’t be surprised if they received a phone call or text that says, “Hey, I found a cheap cruise! Balcony room and all! Want to go?”
Linda loved the beach, particularly Turks and Caicos. She loved traveling with her best friends and never missed out on a good deal on a cruise. She loved watching HGTV, Turtles chocolates, Christmastime, and a cold Blue Moon every once in a while. She loved dancing, swimming, Black Friday shopping, Tuesday morning mani/pedis and having the grandkids sleep over. She loved Loggins and Messina, The Eagles, The Beach Boys and any line-dance song played on a cruise ship. This girl wouldn’t miss an opportunity to Cha Cha Slide…EVER.
Linda is survived by her brothers Dan (Ginger) Engebretson and Lee (Janet) Engebretson of Moorhead, Minnesota as well as her nephews and niece, Brandon, Brian and Lacy. Linda loved visiting her brothers and often reminisced about their best times together.
She leaves behind her 4 children and their spouses whom she absolutely cherished. Craig (Brenda) McShurley, Jim (Amanda) McShurley, Niki (Matt) Osborne and Nathan (Kristin) McShurley. Holidays with all the family often involved laughing until we cried, reliving old stories of growing up and lovingly teasing mom. Her favorite times were when all of her children were together with her. She always spoke of how proud she was of each of them but was reminded that it was a direct reflection of what an amazing mother she was.
Linda is also survived by her 9 grandchildren. Cody McShurley, Cami McShurley, Haley McShurley, Gannon McShurley, Rylee McShurley, Mason Osborne, Marli Osborne, Keegan McShurley and Madden McShurley. Adoringly nicknamed ‘Punkin’, she was always the fun Grandma. Offering ice cream and treats for every meal if desired as well as some wild kitchen dance parties. The sound of laughter and splashing from her pool could be heard down the block as she would swim with them for hours, just because they wanted to stay in the water longer. Many stories, giggles and hugs were shared and she truly loved every moment she spent with her ‘babies’. You would often hear her say her motto, “What Happens at Punkin’s Stays at Punkin’s”
Funeral Services for Linda “Punkin” McShurley are on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Viewing from 11:00 am-1:00 pm including light refreshments with the service immediately following at 1:00 pm at The Grove 2777 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, AZ 85249
I did not know Linda McShurley personally, but I knew of her from my son and her son, Jim. She helped my son get a job at Southwest Airlines and he often mentions her and tells people about her helping him to get the job. He speaks highly of her. Myself and my son were very sad to hear of her passing especially at such a young age . After reading about her and her love of her family, dancing and traveling she sounds as if she had a good life and enjoyed life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I will think of them often.
Your Mom was so loved by all of us. Lee looked forward to so many things for the future with your Mom, losing his sister has left a void that will never be filled. She was so lucky to have you all, she was so proud of each one of you and you’d were her life. You will always hold her memory in your hearts. Stay together that is what her wish would be for you all.