Linda Vite

Linda Diane Vite, 61, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Wednesday, November 15 at her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, MI, with Pastor Rob Snodgrass officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.  Those wishing to share an online memory of Linda may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Linda was born on September 12, 1957 in Niles, MI to Joseph French and Phyllis (Geist)   Liggett. Linda pursued her love of education by obtaining her Master’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Linda went on to teach at several different institutions to include: Georgia Public School Systems, St Mary of the Lake Catholic School in New Buffalo, Marcellus Public School System, and Cassopolis Public School System. Throughout her 30-year career Linda held several different positions in the school systems including kindergarten teacher, elementary school teacher, adult alternative education teacher and an Administrator for the Cassopolis Adult Education Program. After her 30-year tenure, Linda decided to retire from the education system to focus on spending time with her loving family and friends. Born to help others, Linda founded the knitting group “Look no hands, a hug in every stitch, made with love” and was a huge motivator to her fellow amputees. Linda had the determination, perseverance and motivation to never let anything hold her back. She enjoyed overcoming the many obstacles and barriers that were presented to her following her initial hospitalization, which enabled her to mentor other amputees alike. Linda is survived by her significant other, Russ Mills; children, Michael (Summer) Vite of Chicago, IL, Molly (Shawn) Saputo of Waterford, Megan Vite of Cassopolis, and Melissa (Mike) Putnam of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Sarah, Chelsea, and Kimberly Putnam; and siblings, Jerry (Terry) French, Janine (David) Sharrard, and JoAnn McCahill.  She was preceded in death by her parents.