Linda ‘Nellie’ Fleiss, 76, of Salem, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
She was born August 18, 1947, in Long Beach, California, the daughter of Chester Smith and Joan (Eldred) Smith. She married Fred Fleiss on May 13, 1967, in Anaheim, CA and he preceded her in death on January 23, 2021.
Nellie is survived by her children: Michael (Ocieanna) Fleiss of Maple Valley, WA, Poppy (Matthew) Tackett, and Jonathan Fleiss all of Salem, along with her grandchildren: Benjamin, Gabrielle, Christian, and Abigail Fleiss; two brothers: Martin ‘Mike’ Smith of Salem and Patrick Smith of Costa mesa, California; one sister: Peggysue Holmes of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi; and several nieces and nephews.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: Lamar Kyzar and Marvin Kyzar.
Nellie worked as the assistant director for the Bryan-Bennett Library in Salem for 15 years until her retirement. She had a passion for helping people find the perfect book or article concerning whatever topic.Nellie enjoyed crafting, crocheting, sewing, cooking and baking. She was very skilled and creative and she always made sure everything was in top-notch condition. Being outdoors, whether it was for gardening or bird watching, she liked being around nature. Nellie was an avid reader and Jeopardy watcher. If you visited Nellie at home she would usually listen to all genres of music and earlier in the years she would play the guitar with her husband, Fred.
Nellie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved the time she was able to make memories and share stories with the people she loved. Although Nellie no longer stands next to us in this world, she will always be here in our hearts and in our spirits to give that extra push to get us through. Worlds are shattered by someone’s departure. The family of Nellie wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our family and numerous friends who have supported us through this difficult time.
A Visitation will be held Monday, November 6, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home in Salem. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00 PM at the Funeral Home with Dr. Andy DeWitt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home 310 North Broadway/ P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to Nellie’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
