Linda Jane Turner

Born June 28, 1961 – Died December 14, 2025

Linda Jane Turner, 64 of Madison, Wisconsin, died at home surrounded by her sisters after a yearlong battle with breast cancer. She was born in Madison and grew up in Waunakee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Waunakee High School and then from UW-Madison with a degree in Landscape Architecture. She loved plants, trees and flowers. With her green thumb she could coax orchids to bloom, nurse sick plants back to health or help you prune a tree.

Linda was a devoted older sister, cherished friend, and favorite aunt. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and was well-known for generously doling out treats. Her warmth was felt by all, whether two-legged or four. Linda’s love for words was another of her delightful quirks—her favorite word, “plethora,” often made its way into conversations, sometimes even twice in one sitting and of course, her favorite color was “chartreuse,” her second favorite word to use in conversation.

Sewing brought Linda comfort and joy. She found solace in the steady hum of her sewing machine. She was a creative person. Her appreciation for art and design appeared in many forms, including trips to Italy to appreciate architecture and visit museums.

With many years spent working in customer service, Linda practiced kindness and politeness in every interaction. Her generosity, wit, occasional sarcasm and sense of humor left a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and acquaintances alike. Her memory will live on in every thriving plant, when you see the color chartreuse, and every time someone joyfully uses the word “plethora.”

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Leland Turner. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Turner; her three sisters: Donna Jacobsen, Laura Turner (Mark Sweeney), and Deana Turner (Ford Sheridan); four nieces—Sarah Jacobsen, Erika Jacobsen, Analise Sweeney, Carson Sheridan—and her nephew, Magnus Sheridan.

In lieu of a memorial service, Linda’s family invites friends and loved ones to honor her memory in their own meaningful way, perhaps with a donation to PBS Wisconsin. Or maybe by wearing something chartreuse and using the word "plethora" as much as possible...used three times in this obituary alone, she would be thrilled!

The family is eternally grateful to Agrace Hospice Care, specifically Nathan Cooke, for assisting with Linda's passing.