Linda Jean Stempel (Dzwonchyk)

Linda Jean Stempel (Dzwonchyk), 71, died March 8, 2019, of  an 11 year battle with Uterine Cancer that went into remission for about 6 years and returned as a rare Cancer known as Angiosarcoma. Angiosarcoma was believed to be as a result of the radiation treatment used in the original cancer. She endured several invasive surgeries to fight this aggressive Cancer. She fought hard in an uphill battle, but finally succumbed. This was a testament to her strength and endurance.

Linda is survived by her boyfriend/caregiver, Steve Drury, of over 24 years, her 2 daughters, Sheri Gulley and Suzanne Driver, her 2 grandsons, John Scott and Ian Martin, her sister, Patricia Stadolnik and 2 brothers, Richard and David Dzwonchyk, several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Virginia Dzwonchyk (Garafalo), her beloved Aunt Florence, and close friends, Patricia Passy (Fontes) and Cheryl Cosciello.

Linda was born on August 8, 1947, in Derby, Connecticut. She graduated from Ansonia High School in 1964. Graduated from St. Vincent’s Nursing School as a Registered Nurse in 1967. Moved to California in 1977. Graduated from Chapman University in 1983 with a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences.

Initially her career began in hospitals and with several insurance companies which lead her to begin her own business, Advanced Health Services. She was very successful while obtaining several certifications, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, CLCP, FIALCP, ALCP. She owned her business for over 25 years. Linda was a very devoted nurse and avid member of the nursing community. She was a pioneer in Life Care Planning and recognized by her peers for her accomplishments. She also taught at the University California Riverside.

Linda lived a full life; she worked hard, traveled to many countries and always did all she could to make sure everyone else was taken care of and provided for.

She had requested no services but to be cremated and to scatter her ashes over the ocean. She did not want us to be sad about her death but to celebrate her life, to be happy, and enjoy a nice dinner.