Linda Louise Hager, 73, went to be with the Lord on Thursday September 27 at Missouri River Manor.
Linda was born January 16, 1945 in Rugby, North Dakota. She was born to Ramaldus and Magdalen Hager two months premature, weighing only three pounds. She was tiny but fierce and fought a 73 year battle with cerebral palsy.
Linda lived with her parents on a farm in Selz, North Dakota until she was two years old. In May 1947 they bought a farm near Fairfield, Montana. On the farm they had cattle, chickens and sheep where Linda enjoyed helping wash eggs as well as holding and bottle feeding the baby lambs.
When she was 31 years old, she attended the Choteau Activities Center, eventually moving to the Choteau Group Home during the week and coming home weekends and holidays. Linda was kept busy at the activity center where she answered the phone, crushed pop cans and even learned her alphabet. She took great pride in learning to write her name. Linda enjoyed being involved in Special Olympics and was an encourager to all teammates.
Linda’s favorite place to go was North Dakota to visit relatives. Her parents and siblings road tripped many times to make sure Linda was part of family weddings and reunions.
Linda eventually moved to Northern Gateway in Shelby and in 2001 to Berkner Group Home in Great Falls where she lived until 2013. Her family joked she had 9 lives. Linda even graduated hospice where she finally spent her last 4 years living at Missouri River Manor.
Linda was an extremely bright individual. There wasn’t a birthday or anniversary she would forget. She loved watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and was a frequent subscriber to QVC. She loved music, especially polka, and couldn’t wait for the next wedding to dance the night away.
Linda was a compassionate and gentle soul. She had goals and dreamed of being a bride, having her own home, making her own money and learning to read. Linda enjoyed church and carried her communion book everywhere.
Linda touched many lives and taught us how to be more like Jesus. Linda was blessed with her mother Maggie who cared so deeply for her.
We attribute her long life to the loving tender care both her parents gave. Linda’s sister Collette became her compassionate caregiver and was a force in ensuring Linda’s care and safety. Linda was fortunate to have two brothers, Dion and Mike, who were instrumental in her life.
We are grateful to the caregivers at the Choteau group home, Shelby group home, and all those at Quality Life Concepts that help make lives better. Thank you to everyone at Missouri River Manor who tended to Linda in her toughest years.
At hospice Linda met Jennifer Holmes who promised she would always come visit and continue to care for her. Sharon Kougl was significant in helping when family was away. We are forever thankful.
Linda, we are thankful for the years you were with us and the lessons you taught us. You are now free and living the exceptional life you dreamed of. Today you are walking and dancing in paradise.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the O’Connor Funeral Home website.
