Linda Lee Goldman, known affectionately as Linda or Grandma Lee, passed away, on November 6, 2024, having lived a life as vibrant and resonant as the art she created. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 1, 1944, Linda's journey spanned 80 years, colored with profound achievements, spirited love, and a legacy of nurturing through the arts.

She is survived by a constellation of family members, each reflecting a particular aspect of her loving spirit: her husband, Dr. A. Richard Goldman; daughter, Heather Goldman; son, Benjamin Goldman (his wife Jessica Goldman); granddaughter, Thea Simone Herman Goldman; sister, Rita Joyce; niece Dr. Andrea Rubel (husband Leo Herminski), and niece Laura Hufstuttler (husband Lonnie Hufstuttler .) Linda was preceded in passing by her parents, Max and Esther Rosenthal.

Linda's educational journey was a testament to her boundless intellect and her heart's dedication to healing. With a B.A and M.Ed. from National Louis University and a Certification in Art Therapy from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, she wove her passion into her profession. Her work as an artist, art therapist, adjunct professor. seminar provider, creator of art expression groups, and author transcended mere vocation. Each brushstroke, each word, each lesson was an extension of her profound empathy and unyielding commitment to nurture the human spirit.

To say Linda was consummately passionate about life would be an understatement. Her art mediums of choice—oil, acrylic, watercolor, decoupage and assemblage—were as varied and rich as the memories she leaves behind. She was not just a creator on canvas but also fiercely alive, channeling that same creative energy into everything she did. Linda's love for tennis and cycling led her to feats such as a week-long bike ride from Wisconsin Dells to Niagara Falls. She loved music, whether singing, playing the piano, or embracing the stories told in musical theater. Even in the quietude of her garden or in the joyful company of animals, Linda found and shared boundless joy.

"Spirited" precisely encapsulates Linda's approach to life. A gentle force, she approached every endeavor with unwavering passion, an ever-encouraging presence whose optimism was infectious. Linda's heart was a wellspring of generosity, extending her gentle kindness to all she encountered—both human and nature alike. A friend, a confidante, a mentor—she lived her adage that the beauty of life is to be found not just in the destination but in the journey itself.

Maya Angelou wrote, "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Linda was that rainbow for many, her vibrant hues of compassion and creativity uplifting the spirits of those around her. She demonstrated through her life that art was not just a hobby or career but a way of connecting with the world with a tender touch and an open heart.

Linda Lee Goldman—Grandma Lee's legacy endures through the beauty she has woven into the tapestry of our lives. Her memory echoes in the hearts of her beloved family, the soft touch of a painted canvas, the thrum of a distant melody, and the tenacious bloom of gardens nurtured by love.

Linda remains a beacon of genuine connection, embodying the spirit of an unwaveringly loving and giving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. The world is indeed richer for the brilliant collage of moments and memories she shared with us. We are inspired by Linda to embrace our journey with gentle yet passionate hearts and to be, in our way, a splash of color in the vast canvas of life.