Suddenly, and tragically, Heaven’s gates have opened wide, and God has proudly said, “Enter in my good and faithful servant”. She died happily doing what she loved, being on vacation with family and friends. She went quickly with minimal suffering and pain.
On October 15, 2024, Linda Joyce Ashby Guerrieri was welcomed into her home with the Lord. Linda was a native of Thomas, West Virginia, and spent her childhood in St. George, West Virginia. Linda was welcomed into the world on June 16, 1945 by her dear parents, Ellis Ashby and Joyce Pase Ashby Ziesemer. Linda was raised on a beautiful farm in West Virginia with her brothers, Ellis and Patrick. She later married an Italian man from West Philadelphia, the love of her life, Frank Guerrieri. They were married 56 years and had 4 children together; Andi, Joe, Beth and Sarah. As the family grew Linda was blessed with 12 grandchildren; Ally, Briyanna, David, Nomi, Nicholas, Hannah, Tristian, Aleister, Anton, Axel, Arianna and Michaela. Both her children and grandchildren were her world. Linda leaves behind her 4 children, her 12 grandchildren, her brother Patrick, her daughter-in-law, Jenica Guerrieri, her son-in-law, Carlos Betancourt, grandson-in-law, Matt Buonantuono, and her most loving husband, Frank. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Louise Clark, her brother-in-laws, Jack Clark and Tom Cahill as well as 4 nephews and 1 niece. She was preceded in death by her father, Ellis Ashby, her step-father, Owen Ziesemer, her brother, Ellis Ashby Jr. and her best friend, her mother, Joyce Ziesemer. Linda’s love for animals was tremendous, strong, and pure. From the early days of farm animal life, to the cat, dog, rabbit and guinea pig life, she never spent a day not caring for animals. She leaves behind her beautiful dog, Elle, and her silly cat, Sarah.
Linda worked as a veterinarian technician for over 40 years. She spent most of those years at South Paws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center. One of her favorite memories while working there was feeling fortunate to care for some animals at the DC Zoo. Whether she was at work or at home, she was constantly caring for animals. Being the incredible caregiver that she was, although she was constantly taking care of multiple animals, she was also constantly providing the most loving care for all of her family. The care she provided to her husband, children and her many grandchildren was unparalleled. Every decision she made, every move she took, every direction she turned, every moment she lived, was in support of her family. Her family was her guiding light, and she never veered from following that light.
Linda was an extremely active member in her parish, Holy Trinity. She led both the Legion of Mary as well as Children’s Ministry classes. She was a shining example of corporal works of mercy and leading a life of Christ-driven acts of vocation. Her faith in the Lord always took precedent. She would always say her hands needed to stay busy, and that was always true. When she wasn’t using her hands to care for her family or her animals, she kept them busy by making rosaries. Linda’s rosaries have reached the hands of thousands of people, including more than 500 of the students her daughter Sarah and son-in-law Carlos have taught over the years.
Linda loved to vacation, especially to warm weather, beaches and places where she could listen to country music. Her biggest joy in life was planning vacations with family and friends. She looked forward to the gifts of vacation life. Her heart swelled with joy as she would watch the smiles and laughter of her children and grandchildren as they spent time together enjoying vacation life. Her favorite spot to enjoy God’s beauty was Ocean City, Maryland. Her family grew up on the sand of 76th street and she never missed a summer on that beach. When her feet touched Ocean City’s sand, her mind was flooded with the many family memories on that beach. This was her happiest place.
Linda had a fond appreciation for trees, often pulling the car over on trips to stop, look and describe the beauty of a tree. Linda looked forward to fall time in the mountains of West Virginia, driving through her childhood roads, surrounded by the fall foliage colors that created a tunnel of happiness as she traveled through the town. She also found full moons to be the most beautiful of sights. She tirelessly attempted to achieve a photo on her phone of a full moon that matched the night time vision that entranced her eyes.
If you ever spent time with Linda you quickly learned she was up for anything; to go anywhere and do anything, any time any hour of the day or night. She loved karaoke and was determined to never miss Wednesday night karaoke. She loved shared experiences and never turned down an offer from a family member or friend to try something new. When Linda encountered something in life that she found to be extraordinarily great, food or otherwise, she would say, “That was slap yo mama good!” Those of us who have been blessed to have had moments in life with her can easily agree that every memory shared with her was “Slap yo mama good”.
There is no doubt that God welcomed his faithful, devout and loving servant Linda with open arms and had prepared a very special home in heaven for her. She will be deeply missed by all those left on Earth who loved her. She was the definition of love. Linda now leaves the gifts of compassion, selflessness and unconditional love in all those who knew her. Frank is beyond grateful to have had a loving wife who led a very happy life. The world is no doubt a better place because of her footsteps, her hands and her heart.
If you would wish, in lieu of flowers, you may honor her with a donation to her hometown Animal Shelter, Tucker County (West Virginia) Animal Shelter. Tucker County Animal Shelter.
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