Linda Lou Artuso

Linda Lou (Powell) Artuso, 82, born on October 22, 1933, in St. Francisville, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly March 31, 2016. She resided in Long Beach, California, at the time of her passing. Linda was the daughter of C. William "Bill" and Mary Catherine "Cassie" Powell. Her parents were expecting a boy and planned to name her for her uncle, Lou. When she turned out to be a girl, Lou became her middle name. Linda graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she majored in history and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Following graduation, she worked in Pittsburgh, PA, where she met her husband, Giovanni "Johnny" Artuso. Linda and Johnny moved to Illinois and later to Southern California, where they raised their sons, Tony and David. After Johnny's retirement, they lived on a small farm in Oregon, and Linda became an accomplished cheese maker. After a few years, they sought a warmer climate in Arizona. Johnny and Linda built a home in Casa Grande, Arizona, which Linda designed. After Johnny's passing, Linda moved back to Long Beach, to assist her father. Linda was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and his wife, Hannah, and David and his wife, Kathryn. She is also survived by her much loved grandchildren, Tony and Hannah's daughter, Mary Kelton, and David and Kathryn's sons, Nathaniel and Evan.

Linda was very interested in her family history. She did extensive genealogical research on numerous family lines in the U.S. and England--and turned up several surprises! Linda also traced her husband's Italian lines. Through the Mormon Church, Long Beach's Mormon Library, and the Questing Heirs Genealogical Society, Linda shared her knowledge of her family history with distant relatives near and far. For many years, Linda volunteered at the Long Beach Family History Center, assisting others with their family research. Linda edited newsletters both for Questing Heirs and her condo complex in Long Beach, where she also served as a member of the board. We will greatly miss Linda/Mom/Grandma/Gwa. We will remain inspired by her ability to organize and get a job done.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Forest Lawn in Cypress on Saturday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.