Linda M. Heinisch (Diedrich) was born in DeKalb, IL, on October 17, 1948. She attended DeKalb High School, graduating in 1966, and pursued a degree at the University of Illinois (Urbana). She managed various big-name hotels for 30 years while she worked in the hospitality business. On January 26, 2002, Linda married Raymond Heinisch and embraced a new career as a farmer's wife. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren, who were highlights of her life. 

Linda married Thomas O'Toole on June 11, 1983, in Long Beach, CA. They spent the next 15 years together until Tom's death in March 1998. Linda returned to her Midwestern roots and worked locally for DeKalb United Way, Bio-Life Plasma Services, and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. 

Linda was a kind and generous person. She loved to share her time and was involved in many philanthropic efforts, including Opportunity House, United Way, Feed My Starving Children, and was active as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Church and in the local hospital. 

Linda M. Heinisch of DeKalb passed away on April 29, 2017. From her estate, she left a $25,000 gift to local organization Opportunity House to add to the Opportunity House Endowment Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The gift supports programs that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead full and abundant lives in the community. Linda had a passion for helping others. Her legacy of love and support for the community lives on.