Linda Hawkins, aged 63, of Wheaton, Illinois, went to be with her Lord and Savior after a difficult battle on February 25, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born December 13, 1962, in Pasadena, California to parents Vernon and Marilyn Tank.

Shortly after her birth, her parents took her with them to the mission field of Taiwan, where they joined her grandparents, James and Lillian Dickson, who had founded Taiwan's first seminary and the Mustard Seed Mission, which became known throughout southeast Asia. Growing up, Linda led an adventurous life, developing a love for the outdoors, sailing, photography, and traveling. Following high school in Taiwan, Linda returned to the United States where she received her bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and her master's degree in social work from the Jane Addams Hull House at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She spent her adult life as a social worker minus the six months she spent in Papua New Guinea as a missionary right after college. For the past twenty-three years Linda was the director of the older adult program for Outreach Carol Stream in Carol Stream, Illinois. It was a job she loved until the very end.

Thirty-five years ago Linda married Steve, with whom she shared two daughters, Jordan of Bloomingdale, Illinois and Hailey of Wheaton, Illinois. Both daughters were of indescribable help in taking care of their mother during her final months (along with Gus, the family dog). Before the cancer was too debilitating, they took her on short trips walking Gus, exploring estate sales, camping, and hanging out at the beach, which she loved to do. She also greatly appreciated the care provided by her family and friends during her final days and the countless meals provided by College Church members, her coworkers, and neighbors.

Linda's faith was in Christ, which prompted her love of service to others, including teaching Pioneer Girls for over forty years at College Church and helping with Children's Choir there for twenty-five years.

Visitation with be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL  60187. A funeral service will be held at College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Older Adult Program, Outreach Carol Stream ,  345 S. President, Carol Stream, IL  60188.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.