Linnea Liken Aduddell

Linnea passed peacefully in the early hours of July 28, after a brief illness. Born on December 5, 1933, she was the oldest child of John Alva Liken and Dorothy Olive Teas. Much of Linnea’s childhood was spent in Creston, Iowa, and the 1920’s colonial house where the Likens lived became a favorite gathering place for aunts, uncles, cousins and grandchildren.

Linnea always wanted to teach and first attended Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, IL, but completed her studies at Drake University in Des Moines. She met her future husband at Drake and while the marriage ultimately ended, their shared love of education, history, and the arts were a most positive influence on their three daughters.

Linnea taught in Iowa and then in the Des Plaines and Woodridge (IL) School Districts. She taught second, fifth, and sixth grades, and was long time president of the Teachers Association where she fought for improved working conditions and respect for teachers. She was creative, enthusiastic, and famous for her uncompromising standards, which she expected both her students and her colleagues to meet. Some of Linnea’s pupils, grown with children or grandchildren of their own, would regularly stop in Rockford to say hello.

She was a loyal friend, enjoyed traveling, had a special care for Native Americans, and always had to have a craft on hand. She handled increasingly debilitating health issues with determination and grit and never complained.

Linnea was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and Rockford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and enjoyed helping with many special functions.

She is survived by daughters Monique Aduddell (Dennis Klapperich), Regan Aduddell (John Mahoney), and Jennifer Aduddell, grandchildren Morgan, Gillian, Alexander and Sam Mahoney; her sisters Rita Howie and Linda McGinnis, as well as extended family and friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her younger brother Fred John Liken. The family would like to thank the nurses and physicians at OSF St. Anthony who took such good care of her on her last journey and we would like to thank the nurses and staff at Wesley Willows who supported through Linnea through thick and thin.

Arrangements for Linnea’s Celebration of Life are pending.