Linda Lima-DeVries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Lima-DeVries, age 71, of Wayne NJ.  

Linda passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 while receiving the loving care of her family.  She was born in Paterson and was one of five children to Hendrick and Margaret DeVries.  Linda grew up in Lincoln Park and as a young girl attended Boonton High School where she graduated with the class of 1970. 

Following her high school graduation, Linda found employment quickly with the multinational retail company Woolworths, located at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ.  Linda worked in an administrative position with Woolworths for more than ten years.

In the late 1970’s Linda and her sister Joyce met two young men who were brothers, Salvatore and Jack Lima.  As fate would have it, the two brothers married the two sisters, Joyce married Salvatore and Linda Married Jack Lima on November 16, 1980 at St Joseph’s church in Lincoln Park.  The newlyweds settled in Wayne where they resided for about nine years.  During their time living in Wayne, they welcomed the births of two of their children, their daughters Tammy and Jacqueline. As the years went by and the family grew, they moved to Little Falls, NJ where they welcomed the birth of their third daughter, Krystal.    

Linda and Jack embarked on a journey that initially seemed destined for eternity, their marriage blessed with the arrival of three beautiful daughters.  However, with heavy hearts, Linda and Jack made the painful decision to part ways.  Following their separation, Linda moved to Totowa where she lived for several years until moving to Sisco Village in Wayne, NJ five years ago.  While living in Sisco Village, Linda made wonderful friends and treasured playing poker with her circle of friends every Tuesday evening.  She was also a great fan of the slots and frequented the casinos in Atlantic City and Pennsylvania.

Linda enjoyed traveling throughout the years, her adventures taking her to destinations such as Hawaii, Disney, Colorado, Vermont, and exotic locations throughout the Caribbean by way of cruise ships. 

It was clear to those who knew Linda best, that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Aside from all her hobbies, interests, and talents, spending time with and providing for her children and grandchildren were the most important things in Linda’s life.   

Linda was a force to be reckoned with, a woman whose vibrant spirit illuminated every room she entered. With her sassy wit and magnetic charm, she effortlessly drew people into her inner circle.   Yet, beneath her confident exterior, there was a stubborn determination that fueled her ambitions and propelled her through life's challenges.  Linda's caring nature was admired by many in her selfless acts of generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear to those in need.

Linda was a lover of animals, particularly peacocks, and dolphins.  She also enjoyed earning a little extra income dog-sitting for friends and neighbors.  She was a wonderful cook and an even more accomplished baker.  She was famous throughout family and friends for her crumb cake, coffee cup cakes, and cream pies.

Linda was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Linda is survived her three daughters; Tammy Panzino and her husband Dave of Lincoln Park, NJ, Jacqueline Karydes and her husband Nick of Fairfield, NJ, and Krystal Whitmore and her husband Nick of Wayne, NJ, two sisters; Shirley Block of Totowa, NJ, Joyce Lima and her husband Salvatore of Lincoln Park, NJ, two brothers; Henry DeVries of Flagler Beach, FL, and Phillip DeVries of Oak Ridge, NJ, five grandchildren; Angelo Panzino, Damian Panzino, Mason Whitmore, Tyler Whitmore, and Nicholas Karydes, and another grandson on the way.  She also cherished her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Hendrick and Margaret DeVries.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's name may be made to  The American Heart Association