Linda Marie Viehoefer Weierstall
June 27, 1949 ~ January 27, 2024 (age 74)
Linda Marie Weierstall of Hamburg, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Born in Teaneck, NJ on June 27, 1949, she was the daughter of Albert and Marie Viehoefer, each of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her beloved husband and soul mate, John Weierstall, her daughter Gretchen Ritacco, son-in-law Frank, granddaughter Cecilia and grandson Matthew of Oakland, NJ; and her daughter Heidi Weierstall, son-in-law Jim Huber, grandson Tristan and granddaughter Madeline of Scotch Plains, NJ.
She had a passion for fashion, but not for commuting into the city to attend FIT, so instead she channeled her creative energy into sewing clothes and costumes, a business making leather handbags, a career at Haband as a buyer producing wash and wear clothing for seniors and, in more recent years, making endless potholders. Those of you who have seen her of late have a pair (or ten) at home to prove it. She was an avid skier and cherished her years as a Snow Nymph in Killington, Vermont, where she and John would spend every weekend from Thanksgiving until Easter. She was an artist and a wordsmith and wrote and illustrated The Book of Real, which is her and John’s love story. Although she claimed to hate games, she could spend hours playing Boggle, Rumikub and, of course, Uno. Her door was always open to family and friends who became family. More than anything, from the youngest age she dreamed of becoming a mom and absolutely adored her two daughters, Gretchen and Heidi, their husbands who became her sons, Frank and Jim (Hubie), and her four perfect grandchildren, Cecilia, Matthew, Tristan and Madeline. She was happiest every summer when she, John, the girls and their families would spend two blissful weeks together on White Street in Lavallette. She once wrote “John, you, Blossom (her poodle) and Butch (her cat) are the loves of my life. My daughters are the answers to every prayer I’ve ever prayed. Their husbands are beyond my greatest expectations - I’ve had a truly charmed life - Cece, Matt, Tris and Maddie - I couldn’t dream of any better, sweeter, more loving grandchildren.” The world lost one of the good ones and she will be truly, deeply missed by all who knew her.
Thomas Bergstrand (1967)
Sorry for your loss, John.
Elizabeth Hays (Gatti) (1967)
It's difficult to put into words and painful to contemplate what this loss means for my old friend John, saying goodbye to his beloved wife of almost 60 years, but I want to try to pay tribute to Linda for her unfailing kindness, wit, beauty, intelligence, incredible talent and loving nature, especially showered on her family (including many precious friends and pets over the years). John and I go way way back, to Stony Lane Grammar School (actually even earlier, kindergarten at the "Legion Hut" on Paramus Road while the school was being built!). I met Linda in Westbrook Junior High but didn't really get to know her until after she and John got married and started their long life journey together. From the "Nutshell" cottage to the lake house to Franklin Lakes and beyond, their door was always open to me with hospitality and warmth. Although we haven't seen much of each other over the past 30 years, those earlier memories are strong and intact, and my husband John Gatti and I send our deepest condolences to John and their daughters Gretchen and Heidi and families, who I know are keenly mourning the absence of a cherished wife, mother and grandmother. I was privileged to be among the legions of friends who gathered at the Weierstall hearth for good food, stories, laughs, drinks and companionship. In the end, these are the memories that will sustain you all in these difficult months and beyond. Goodbye Linda, and thank you forever for your special presence here with us. You are and always will be missed.
Mary Miello (1967)
Dear John
I was so sad to learn of Linda's passing. I fondly remember Linda's joyful laugh and beautiful blue eyes and how she made our high school days more fun.
Your heartfelt post about Linda reflects a full life that was well lived. So sorry for your loss.
Loreen Gregory (Kupfrian) (1967)
John, I'm sad to hear you've lost Linda. I remember her as a happy, always smiling, pretty girl. It's wonderful to read how special your life together was and may all that good remain with you always. Take special comfort in knowing her life was "well lived". All my best to you and your family.
Kathleen Finley (Ryan) (1967)
Dear John,
I was so sorry to hear about Linda. I hope you find comort in the many years you had together as you look back and remember all those precious memories. It sounds like you had such a wonderful life together. Take care.
Tom Petocz (Petocz) (1967)
I first met both John and Linda in 9th grade at Westbrook. Linda was on my bus with close firends Helen Lipsett and Sharon Roma. I soon met the other 'girls' - Mary Miello, Betsy Hays, Aleida Krug, Gayle stachula and others. John and I met in PE class. I have one Linda Westbrook tale! We had a special presentation in the auditorium by a guy talking about static electricity. He asked for volunteers and Helen volunteered Linda. Up on stage she looked on stoically as she touched a globe and her blonde hair stood out like a golden afro! What a girl!
We became closer during high school and even more so after graduation. Linda was one of the kindest persons I have ever met. She got along with everyone - not just the "cool" kids but with those not in the "inner circle". I vividly recall good times with John & Linda at various venures - in back of John's folks' home, thier small "hobbit house", the chalet on the lake and other places. They had an apartment once with two Siamese cats (Piawacket and Kismet) and the female was in heat. The downstairs neighbor complained that they did not think horses were allowed in the building as the kitties were a smidgeon rambunctious!.
God bless Linda and my best to my dear friend John.
Cathryn Behnke (1967)
Beautiful love story. Lovely tribute to Linda. So sorry for your loss, John. RIP Linda.
Patricia Roth (Jaggie) (1967)
John... from the earliest days at Stony Lane to our graduation from PHS, we were raised in the most loving, nurturing and friendly neighborhood. As a child, we don't recognize that gift. It's only as the chapters end that that becomes more clear. You and Linda will always be part of those rich memories of mine. Thinking of you and your family. Patti
Kathleen Volz Tripldi (1967)
Oh my, so sorry for your loss John. We never saw each other after high school, but I remember her as a beautiful person inside and out. Again, sorry for you and your family's loss.
John Ward (Ward) (1967)
So sorry for your loss John..You and Linda were the perfect couple from our homeroom days and the many years you had together. God Bless.