LINDA JOYCE RICHARDSON

Freda and Frank Polchlopek, of Syracuse, welcomed Linda Joyce, the first of their two daughters, on February 6, 1949. A 1967 graduate of John C. Birdlebough H.S. in Phoenix, NY, Linda studied fashion design at Cazenovia College. Though staying only a year she forged a lifetime of dear friends. Even at an early age she joked about having nine lives. Prophetically, she would face and survive several challenges.

In 1967 and 1970 she was seriously injured from accidents involving tractor-trailers. She was in a coma for ten days, suffered a near leg amputation and a ruptured spleen. She miraculously survived being pushed down a hill, hitting a telephone pole, sheltered in a pocket in her buckled car.

Linda married her high school boyfriend, Rodney Trask in October of 1969. Though the marriage didn’t last, she loved and cared for her children, Michael and Andrea, as a single, working mother. It wasn’t easy. But to her joy she met, on a blind date, and married William “Bill” Richardson. She was happy in her marriage and loved being a stay-at-home Mom. She thrived on the challenges of being a den mother, or organizing a dance recital. She loved, supported and supplied her children with the confidence needed to be successful in life. Her children’s friends also benefited from her ability to listen or reach out to them in times of need.

When Andrea entered Jr. High, Linda went to work as a bookkeeper for a Friendly’s Restaurant. After several years she was responsible for the district. After leaving this position she continued to work as a bookkeeper and a waitress – she loved to interact with people.

In March of 2000, Linda found a lump. It was confirmed by a mammogram and biopsy. Diagnosed with Stage III, Linda underwent a radical mastectomy, but the cancer was more invasive. The surgeon removed nine out of sixteen cancerous nodes. Linda spent two three-month cycles on chemotherapy. After having thirty-three radiation treatments she was declared cancer-free on January 5, 2001, followed by a tram-flap breast reconstruction the next May. While enduring these surgeries and treatments Linda kept two part-time jobs. Being the hard worker that she was, she wasn’t going to let this cancer slow her down.

Life returned to normal, Linda continued to work, and became a grandmother! She still loved to read and travel, and was active on her high school reunion committee. She also decided to document her journey with breast cancer. As a result, she wrote a short book, hoping to help those diagnosed with this disease. Although not yet published, her daughter hopes to make this dream a reality. And Linda still gave of her time as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery” program. Through this organization she was able to help other cancer victims cope with their treatments.

Linda lived cancer and worry-free until January 2004. A persistent cough lead to the discovery of an unusual mole, believed to be skin cancer. After a biopsy and subsequent scans, Linda was told the breast cancer had returned and spread to her lungs, liver and esophagus. Eventually, it would spread to her bones and brain. She was unfazed and undeterred. Against all odds she chose to have chemo and radiation, while continuing to work, volunteer and live life to the fullest until two weeks before her death on August 11, 2004. She is remembered and missed greatly by family and friends who still call on the courage and determination when life gets them down.