Linda Ann Laurendeau, 81, of Apopka, Florida passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to her beloved community. Linda is survived by her loving brother, Eugene Laurendeau, of Brunswick, Georgia, and sister, Phyllis Minehan, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph E. and Eileen M. (McDonough) Laurendeau, of Wakefield, Massachusetts. Far from family for most of her adulthood, Linda cultivated a close circle of friends turned family that enjoyed laugh-filled lunches, wine tastings, and drinks on her patio.
Born on June 22, 1943 in Melrose, Massachusetts, she earned her Master’s degree in Human Resources and Development from Webster University in 2000, following her undergraduate studies at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1997. Linda’s professional career spanned thirty two years with “Ma Bell,” working as a sales representative, technical design engineer, and eventually, design specialist. In 2007, after a brief retirement, Linda drew on her knowledge and experiences as a registered parliamentarian in the state of Florida and founded the Laurendeau Consulting Group, Inc., which provided parliamentary law consulting services, training development and delivery services, and project management.
Linda was a long time and devoted parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where she served not only as a faithful member, but also as an avid volunteer with the Parish Bereavement Ministry. Her passion for service extended far beyond the church walls, impacting numerous organizations throughout her life. Linda was a vibrant presence in her local community, giving her time to the Sertoma Club, Apopka Woman’s Club, Apopka Historical Society, Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, and as an original charter member of the Northwest Orange Republican Women’s Club. She also served as President of the Apopka Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, chairman of the Apopka Charter Review Committee, and for eight years on the Apopka Planning Commission, showcasing her exceptional commitment to her community. Linda was also a dedicated board member of the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program, working with first time juvenile offenders in the Orange County Juvenile Court system, ensuring that her impact reaches future generations.
Linda also found deep fulfillment in her work with veterans. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10147 Auxiliary, she devoted significant time to honoring and preserving the memory of those who served through her work with the Wreaths Across America program, which she was instrumental in bringing to Apopka. She was recognized with the prestigious Service to Mankind Award for her role in the Veterans’ Graves Identification Project.
Her remarkable life was one of compassion, dedication, and relentless service to others. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Visitation will be held at Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka on Monday, October 28 from 5-7pm. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Apopka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wreaths Across America at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/FLEDGR (please use this specific link for Apopka). Wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves in Apopka’s Edgewood-Greenwood Ceremony in Linda’s honor on December 14, 2024.
May she rest in eternal peace.