Linda Susan Epstein

Linda Susan Epstein, 68, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018, surrounded by family at the University Hospital in Columbia Mo. She was born on March 6, 1950, in Tuscumbia, Mo., the daughter of John and Isabelle (Vandeven) Stuckenschneider. She was married on April 10, 1976, to Malcolm "Mal" Epstein Jr., who preceded her in death on August 1, 2016. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Linda graduated from St. Elizabeth High School. Linda felt strongly about the importance of education and received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. She had master degrees in history, business administration, and accounting. She later taught accounting at Westminster College in Fulton and Columbia College in Jefferson City. Linda was the head administrative assistant for the Missouri Optometric Association for over 20 years and worked at the Department of Design and Construction as an accounting supervisor. Linda also owned her own successful business for almost 10 years, Esptein Business Service, which helped businesses with background checks for their team members. She loved doing research, was an avid genealogist, and was thrilled to discover a new distant relative on the ever-expanding family tree. She traced the Kemna and Stuckenschneider family trees to the 13th century in Germany. After retiring from her business, she pursued yet another love - writing fantasy fiction. She was currently working on her 7th novel during her illness. She had a passion for animals over the years and was loved by her many pets. Survivors include: one son, John Epstein (wife Amy) of Columbia, Mo.; two step-children, Matt Epstein of Bowling Green, Mo. and Margaret Epstein of San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Joe Stuckenschneider (wife Helen) of Arnold, Mo. and John Stuckenschneider of Holts Summit, Mo.; three sisters, Patricia Medsker of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mary Lou Stuckenschneider of Shawnee Mission, Kan. and Janet Mehmert (husband Larry) of Columbia, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Nobert Beck of St. Elizabeth, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Noah and Liam Epstein of Columbia, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mal; one sister, Norma Beck; brother-in-law, Bill Pickles; and her father-in-law, Malcolm Epstein Sr., otherwise known as "Boompa" by his family. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 12, 2018. A Celebration of Linda's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at Riverview Cemetery with the Reverend Ian Hanna officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society and Fisher House. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com