FOUNDER OF VSS – VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES in Seattle, Washington died October 1, 2024. She was 92 years old.

Lola June Linstad
6-17-1932 to 10-1-2024

Lola was born in 1932 on a farm in Nebraska during the depression. The 4th child of a large family she grew up in in difficult circumstances but with lots of love. Later, she lived with a family in town and became the nanny of 3 little girls. At age 18 she moved to the city and took secretarial courses, got married and started a family. She loved children and being a mother. At age 25 she moved to Seattle with her husband who got a job with Boeing. She made many good friends and got involved in the community.

Lola was a major fund raiser for the Healing Garden at Samaritan hospital in Lebanon Oregon and humbly worked at the soup kitchen and FISH food distribution pantry. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years, PTA mother, Girl Scout Leader, and fund raiser for many charities. Her most important contribution was founding VSS – Victim Support Services in 1975 which will celebrate 50 years in 2025. After her daughter, Vonnie, was murdered by a serial killer, she turned her grief into this support group which has gone on to provide support for thousands of people affected by crime.

Being a mother was her greatest joy. She had 4 daughters: Phyllis, Vonnie, Alicia, and Shirley. Later came 5 grandchildren: Whitney, Paige, Autumn, Jacob and Christian. Three great grandchildren, one which was named after her, Lola, Alice and Luna.

She was a loyal friend to many and wrote letters to her friends until the end of her 92 years. Always an open door, cookies and a shoulder to lean on, she listened with a compassionate heart. To know her, was to love her.

Lola had 2 careers: one as a licensed daycare provider for 15 years. The children still remember her and the good meals; a safe, fun place where many memories were made.

Later Lola returned to school and took classes to update her skills. She became a family court clerk at King County courthouse in downtown Seattle. Retiring at 65, she moved to Oregon to be near her two daughters who had moved before her. Some of her happiest moments were living in a darling little condominium at an over 55 community. Just enough garden space, the grandchildren and community pool, and church kept her busy and happy.

Sadly, in her 80’s she was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, Meniere’s disease (hearing loss) and glaucoma (vision loss) and lost her ability to hear and walk. She was always good natured about her struggles, but the last five years were hard for her. Life is not always a bed of roses, and she relied heavily on her faith, friends and family for support.

Lola lived to be 92 despite her challenges. In her last years she was a special and well-loved resident at an assisted living facility. Everyone loved her and remarked how sweet she was. She was grateful for all the help she received and her loving spirit shined. Saying she will be missed does not come close to describing the empty space she has left in her family and friend’s hearts. Her goodness left the world a better place. The words from a song come to mind……”I shall always love you in a place where there is no space or time”.

Deafness brings isolation. Disabilities of any kind can leave people disconnected. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give something in Lola’s name that will bring good to the world, donations to Parkinson’s disease research, Meniere’s disease research and VSS – Victim Support Services in Seattle, WA are the family’s chosen charities.