It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Linda (Grizely) Fern, age 68, on February 14, 2026, in Schaumburg, Illinois. Linda’s passing on this day is a true reflection of who she was, because she loved with her whole heart. 

Linda was born on February 24, 1957, to Matthew Grizely Sr. and Sue Mueller. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and attended Mather High School, where she met the love of her life, John. Linda and John were married on September 23, 1978, and recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary—a testament to a lifetime of partnership, love, and devotion. 

Throughout the years, Linda worked in medical billing at Saint Joseph Hospital and also supported her husband in the family business, Pestka Transmissions. She was hardworking and dependable, but her greatest and most meaningful work was always her family. 

Linda’s true legacy lives on through her three children: Elizabeth Berube (Tony), Jennifer Herbold (Bob), and John Fern (Sarah). Anyone who knew Linda knew she was a loving, compassionate, and deeply dedicated mother. She eagerly looked forward to becoming a grandmother and was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren: Annabelle (11), Audrey (8), Samantha (8), Oliver (4), and Eleanor (2). Though illness limited her time with them, her love for them was present from the very beginning and will continue through the stories and memories shared for years to come. 

In addition to her husband and children, she leaves behind siblings Joy Libby (Brian), Patti Junemann (Carl), and Matthew Grizely Jr. (Linda). She was a loving daughter-in-law, aunt, and friend to so many more. 

Linda’s life revolved around her family. She treasured fishing trips with her dad, weekends spent with the Fern family, and special date nights with her husband at the Marriott Theatre, enjoying a classic musical. She had a deep passion and love for music. Whether she was driving to pick up her children from school or cooking dinner in the kitchen, music was always playing—often artists like Patsy Cline or Johnny Mathis filling the home.

Her love for music became an especially powerful comfort during her diagnosis with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. Even as her memories began to fade, her ability to sing—and her joy in doing so—never left her. 

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Salerno’s Funeral Home, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL. A funeral mass will be held on Friday for friends and family at Saint Hubert's Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).