SPRUCE PINE – Linda (Foster) Vesely, 75, of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, died peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Linda was born in Newport News, Virginia on Dec. 7, 1944, to the late Stuart Arthur Foster and Margaret Yeatman Foster. She graduated from Warwick High School in 1963, and attended the University of Georgia where she was vice-president of the Delta Zeta Sorority.
In 1966, Linda married Albert Vesely of Peoria, Illinois. Linda worked side-by-side with Albert as Deans of Continuing Education at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, until 1993. Upon retirement, Linda and Albert moved to Spruce Pine, North Carolina and opened an art and antique gallery, which Linda operated for 27 years. Linda also was active in the community as a former member of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, a former member of the Toe River Arts Council, and was instrumental in establishing the Mitchell County Recycling Center.
In recent years, Linda proudly dedicated herself to fundraising for the Love Lights Fund, a North Carolina nonprofit organization that raises money to assist cancer patients and their families. Although work and community service kept her busy, Linda was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She coached her daughter in cheerleading for many years, and was a team parent for her son’s football teams. She also adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Linda was a dear friend to many people and constantly engaged with them.
Linda was predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years, Albert. Linda is survived by her children, Cara Harvey of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, and Brandon Vesely and his wife, Shirin, of St. Petersburg, Florida; her grandchildren, Kyle Harvey and his wife, Jen, Ian Harvey, Mariah Vesely and Sophia Vesely; her sister, Susan Wilkerson and her husband, Lawrence, of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, her sister-in-law, Bet Foster of Yarmouth, Maine; and her brother-in-law, Harry Vesely of Phoenix, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to: Love Lights Fund c/o Messino Cancer Centers ATTN: Darlene Boone, 551 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed by going to the website: www.webbfh.com, selecting obituaries, and clicking on Linda Vesely.
Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, NC is assisting the Vesely family.