Linda J. Conklin

Linda Conklin, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, born on June 27, 1953 passed away at the age of 72. Residing in Oakland NJ for most of her life with her loving husband, Bruce.. Linda courageously battled cancer for 5 years, and bravely made the decision to keep her illness private to protect those who loved her the most. Her journey was a long and difficult one but her love for life and her family is what gave her strength to keep fighting. Linda fought until her very last day on November 28, 2025, where she was surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Linda, Born Linda Collinge, married Bruce R Conklin and raised three children together, Debbie, Brenda and Bruce, in Oakland NJ, where Linda resided to this day with her husband, Bruce, a retired Oakland Police Officer. Linda truly enjoyed the many years that she spent working in the cafeteria of the Oakland Public School District, which allowed her to spend her free time and summers raising and caring for her three children. Being a devoted and loving wife and mother were the two jobs she valued the most.

Christmas was Linda’s favorite time of year. Every year she looked forward to decorating the tree, baking cookies and sitting with her children as they made out their Christmas lists for Santa. Taking summer vacations with her family to Ocean City Maryland, where they would spend hours at the beach swimming and looking for shells before heading off to the boardwalk. Summers spent swimming in the pool, playing board games, and going to the Milk Barn for ice cream in the family van were always treasured memories.

Just as she was always there for her children, Linda was also a devoted and loving wife to her husband Bruce. Whether they were watching old movies, raking the leaves, taking trips to their second home in Toms River, or spending time with their children and grandchildren, they were always together. Linda enjoyed being surrounded by her family, caring for them in any way she could, offering her advice whenever they needed guidance. Her warm heart was always generous, thoughtful and kind to others, a quality cherished and admired by those who loved her. She made everyone feel loved and special and always put her family first.

Linda also had a deep love for animals, and her own pets held a special place in her heart. Linda, along with her husband Bruce had several dogs, including Queenie, Mandy and Hanna, and two cats, Tinkerbell and Rusty, throughout their many years together and often donated to animal rescues.

Linda is lovingly survived by her Husband, Bruce, her three children, Debbie, her husband Lance and their two children, Justin and Sarah, her daughter Brenda, and her two children with Glenn, Mason and Rachel, and their son, Bruce, his wife Liann and their three children, Ava, Wyatt and Wade. Linda was a powerful and beloved presence and will be cherished deeply in the hearts of her husband, children and grandchildren forever. Her life will have a lasting impact on all those who loved her and the memories of her warm heart and loving smile will never be forgotten.

Services will be held for Linda on Wednesday, December 3rd from 5pm to 8pm at the Oakland Memorial Home in Oakland. A memorial and burial service will also be held at Oakland Memorial Home on Thursday, December 4th at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to fund cancer research at https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/support-us/donate/ and also to her favorite animal rescue, Halfway Home Animal Rescue Team, https://www.hharteam.org/donate/