Remembering Linda Sundberg 1949 – 2007
Linda worked for a variety of nonprofits in the Madison area for more than three decades. She was the Campaign Director at Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) from 1994 until her retirement in 2005. During her tenure at CSW she provided careful service to a number of public campaigns, provided oversight to the annual private campaigns, and was persistent and patient with our member nonprofits each year to ensure that they were eligible to participate in public campaigns.
Perhaps her biggest legacy was her support, counsel, and guidance to the largest new member recruitment in CSW history. She was a key part of orientation and assistance to 20 nonprofit groups as they became familiar with annual membership obligations and benefits.
Throughout her life Linda was not just a fine colleague but a good friend to so many with whom she worked. She took her many skills to Ontonagon, Michigan, in the summer of 2005 and did what she does best: “build community.” Linda will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her sense of humor even on the darkest days, and her willingness to be a champion for those less fortunate.
Her gifts were many and it was a privilege to have known her. We will miss her joy for life, her strength of character, and her unfailing commitment to justice. The world is a better place because she was here.
To honor her life’s work, CSW has created an award in her memory. The first award will be given in 2008.
Governor’s Commendation Recognizes Linda’s Contributions
Governor Jim Doyle issued a commendation shortly after Linda’s death, which was read at her memorial service in Madison on November 3. Among the comments in the commendation were the following:
Linda Beth Sundberg, was born August 13, 1949, and passed away on October 27, 2007, leaving to grieve her family and the countless colleagues and friends whose lives she had so deeply touched.
Linda truly lived the words of Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” She was a friend to many and an example to all and, with her passing, Wisconsin has lost a special citizen who truly embodied the spirit and character of this great state.
I, Jim Doyle, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Linda Sundberg.
