Linda A. McKenzie (1954 - 2024)

Linda A. McKenzie, 70, of Lawrenceville, died in her home on December 28, 2024.

She was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 14, 1954 to Adele Allen (née Zamparelli) and Cledith Ray Allen. Linda was especially close with her mother, from whom she gained a love of cooking. Linda grew up in Miami, FL, and often shared memories of the good times she had with friends, family, and neighbors during her childhood. She attended Coral Park High School and graduated in 1972, after which she moved to Connecticut to study business at Western Connecticut State University. Linda returned to Florida after college, and eventually moved to Atlanta, GA in the mid 1980s to work with NDC. In 1988, she and then-husband James McKenzie welcomed a son, Ryan McKenzie, into the world. Linda often showed her love for her son, cherishing their time together as the best memories of her life.

Linda had a soft spot for cats, welcoming Baxter into her home through her son. She shared 9 years with Baxter before his passing, and was a friend to many cats over the years.

She was close with her childhood friends, and remained in touch with them throughout the years.

Linda was passionate about her role in sales, and worked for several companies over her life after NDC, including Sprint, Dieffenbacher, and Hansgrohe.

Linda loved arts & crafts and decorating. From painting ceramics to interior decorating to crafting, she created and shared beauty for others to appreciate, earning an associate's degree in interior design.

She was intrigued by true crime and mystery, with some of her favorites being classic Stephen King novels and Alfred Hitchcock movies. Whether Linda was watching a true crime documentary or reading a suspense novel, she enjoyed a good mystery.

Having grown up in Miami, she had a love for the beach and all things ocean. She showed her passion for the seas by making frequent beach trips to many locales with family, and passing this love down to her son.

Linda will always be remembered for her sense of humor, loving personality, resilience, and the way she brought people together. She will be missed dearly by her loved ones. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all the lives she touched.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, father, and grandparents. She is survived by her aunt and uncle, Lina and Lino Meccariello; cousin, Frances Meccariello; brother, Anthony Allen; and son, Ryan McKenzie.

A memorial service will be held at Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service on January 25, 2025 at 288 Hurricane Shoals Road NE, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a ceremony to follow right after.