Y oh Y  / Shellen Lubin (co-worker then friend )
First met Linda at the Y back in about 1978 when she and Nancy Naples had collaborated on a directory of services for pregnant teens and teen moms and they hired me to format and type the thing.

The three of us loved working together--it was a good time.

In the many years since we visited periodically saw a show together every once in awhile shared a holiday time here and there.  It was always a joy to see her face hear her voice share her energy and warmth and wisdom.

I loved her even in the years there was no contact at all.   I was always grateful to have had her in my life. Close

Obama won....!  / Edwin Roman (Friend / Colleague )
Linda, Obama won and was sworn in today....you called it....You would have been so happy today.... Close

I feel her everywhere!  / Bobbie Horowitz (School mate & son's friend's mom. )
Dear Danny, I just got the Cornell Alumni News and saw the listing of your mom's passing on and my breath stopped. I added the word "on" because I know there is no end. Your mom's energy is so strong that she seems almost solid and right here in my apartment as I write this. I was Slone when you played with David at your apartment or around the corner at ours. Please know that I'm cheering for you both and will continue to do so. Brava! to a wonderful woman! Love, Bobbie Close

Thank you Linda  / Steve Jenkins (Friend)
My first memories of Linda are of her home when 30 years ago I went to visit my friend Danny at a house that from a 10 year old's perspective was wonderfully chaotic and filled with frenetic energy - as well as Entenmanns’s chocolate glazed donuts, bicycles and video games. If this wasn’t enough, she was also open, approachable and friendly, especially for a Mom. The only thing that didn’t really compute was the way that Danny would consistently delay the rest of us by refusing to cross even the smallest, most traffic-free side streets on a red light, because he had promised his mother he wouldn’t. I got to know Linda better as I got older and she was always incredibly engaged in learning about everything I was doing. She was especially helpful to me as I got involved in the New York non-profit world, a world she knew like the back of her hand, and she was constantly e-mailing me useful information and contacts. It was largely because of hearing about Laurie and her success as a public interest lawyer that I went to law school. Eventually Linda became very close with my family, and it became something of a running joke in our household how on every Christmas, a present always appeared, and a thoughtful and useful one at that. While all of this was enough to mark Linda as a very special person in our lives, what was striking at the memorial service was how many people were there to tell similar stories. She obviously had an extradordinary level of energy that she applied to helping her family and friends in every aspect of their lives. While a few people talked about the way Linda was able to successfully balance a large family, a successful career, and a large group of meaningful friendships, it appears what she achieved was not so much balancing, but rather bringing more to everything and everyone than most of us even attempt. Close

My deepest sympathy to my dear friend, Lori  / Patty Smith (Lori's friend )
Lori,

My heart is aching for you. Your mother was so special, and I watched your close relationship with her over the years. I am so sorry for you and your family to have to lose her so young.

I am sending my love to you over the miles...

Patty Close

For Linda  / JuWon Choi (Former colleague )

Our paths crossed while Linda was with Cornell Cooperative Extension and working on a youth development project in the South Bronx. It was a rather challenging project because there were so many community partners involved. I remember how skillfully she navigated the often stressful meetings and negotiations. But more than her administrative skills, I remember Linda for her radiant smiles. She always had something nice to say about everyone she worked with. 

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Our Condolences  / Ben And Betsy Asen (neighbor)
Dear Dan, Ken and the rest of the Nessel Family

Our thoughts are with you at this time.  If there's anything you need help on as far as the apt. is concerned please let me know...We wish we could of attended the service, but did not know about it.. We've been Googling since her passing and only found out now about the service.

Again, our thoughts  and prayers are with you.

Ben and Betsy Asen Close

Wonderful kind woman  / Andrew Rietbergen (Friend to James & Dyana )
They say you can learn a lot about a person by looking in their eyes.  To me Linda had the kindest eyes.  Her voice was filled with warmth and compassion.  Even if you didn't see her very often, as I didn't, she had a way of remembering details about your life that made you feel special.  I've known James almost all of my life and by association, the rest of the Nessel clan.  It is truly a testament to the determination, driving force, and kindness that all of Linda's children lead such successful and rich lives.  She will most definitely be missed. Close

My dream family  / Natalia Schiffrin (Through Lori )
Growing up, I always wished my family was more like the Brady Bunch. But by the time I was an adult, and met Lori, that all changed. Then I started to wish my family was more like the Nessels. Presided over by Linda, with her radical politics and astonishing warmth and sense of humor, this family seemed perfect to me. Lori even had a lovely artist grandmother and four handsome, funny and smart brothers. The Sunday night dinners were the coziest thing I had ever heard of - a large family that actually gets along and enjoys spending time together! They really should have had their own sit-com. Looking at the beautiful family photos on this site, I see how Linda's amazing smile - the humor and fantastic attitude to life it represented - has been inherited by her kids and grandkids. What better tribute to her is there? Close

Always There for Others  / Stephen McFadden (friend and colleague )
I knew Linda over 20 years, beginning with our working together at Spence-Chapin.   We kept up our friendship over the years, getting together when we could and also working as colleagues at Fordham.  Linda was someone who was ALWAYS concerned about and willing to help others.  I have rarely known someone who gave so much of her time and energy to friends and those in need.  She was also truly sweet and thoughtful.  She turned me on to Audience Extras and we saw many unusal performances on the cheap.  I will miss her greatly and will remember her sweet smile and wry sense of humor. Close

One of a Kind  / Karen Brown (Friend and former colleague )
Linda was one of a kind. Her commitment to real youth development and community building, exemplified over years of working in the South Bronx while at Cornell Cooperative Extension, will always be remembered. She mentored many young people from Highbridge, and kept in touch with them long after the project ended. Linda also mentored her young employees, and I was very lucky to be one of them. And most of all Linda took such pride in her own children, and joy in her growing circle of grandchildren. She will be missed dearly. Close

Thanks for a great Memorial Service  / Dan Nessel (son)
On behalf of my whole family, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for making the memorial service so special. It was amazing to hear everyone’s stories of how my Mom made such a positive impact on their lives. My mom’s wishes were to always look forward not back and to celebrate achievement rather than morn a loss - it was great that the service felt like it really honored her wishes.

Added to our list of things to do now is to find the clone machine my Mom must have hidden somewhere in her apartment. It seems that the only way my Mom could have always been there for us and at the same time been making such a huge impact on friends and colleagues was to have cloned herself many times over. From the stories I heard, it seems that my Mom somehow squeezed 150 years of love, smiling, work and support into 69 years on this planet.

You will notice that there is a section on this site called “Her Legacy”. You will also notice that that section in blank. I think we all feel it is really impossible to put into words my Mom’s legacy – so I will not even attempt it here. I will say that only my Mom could have a “funeral” that left so many people inspired to want to do more – to want to create more of legacy for themselves. Inspiring and motivating without ever pushing or judging – this is how my Mom was in life and amazingly continues to be now.

Thanks to all,

Dan

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FOR LINDA  / Renee Ross Wilmit (A friend from high school. )

Linda was one of my best friends at South Side High School in Rockville Centre.  I remember Linda as a smart, sensitive, beautiful young woman.  When she was your friend she was totally commited to the friendship.

I am not surprised that she went on to do GREAT things.

My deepest sympathy go out to her loved ones.  I know she will be sorely missed by her friends and family.


 

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One who was warm to those she hardly knew  / Ryan Hinds
I remember knowing Ms. Nessel when i first entered 4-H she was warm and pleasing and congratulated me for entering the program. When i was accepted to Marymount Manhattan College through the 4-H. She personally made it her business to make time out to congratulate me on my acceptance and also made it clear that i am representing more than myself when i make that next step in my life. Whenever i came by the office she always had a smile and kind words to say to me as well as ask me how i am doing. I know the lost of a loved one. i lost my older brother some years back. Its difficult to deal with but i realized that if you hold that loved one close to your heart they will forever and always be there. Ms. Nessel may be gone from this earth but she will live on forever in our hearts. Close

A friend with a voice  / Andy Gyory (friend)
Everything everyone is saying rings so very true about Linda, one of the most loving, most caring, and warmest people I have ever known. Few people have truly devoted their lives to improving this world and treating people so well as Linda did. 
One aspect of Linda that stood out was her distinctive and silvery voice. No one spoke quite like her, and I can still close my eyes and hear the clear, distinct timbre of her voice. I will miss that. Close

A driving Force of encouragement!  / Alexia Myers (4H Youth Participant )
I’ll always remember before and after a 4-H Youth Council meeting myself as well as many of my peers would find our selves visiting Ms Nessel to talk to her about our projects for 4-H, family, friends and educational goals. Ms Nessel has and will continue to be a driving force in all of my endeavors. She is indeed a cheerleader to all who have come into her company. I will miss her words of encouragement and wisdom.

Alexia M Myers Close

Linda was an excellent teacher  / Susan Egan (colleague at Fordham )
Linda taught Community Organizing to graduate social work students at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service for years. Her committment to social action and social justice was contagious. She was well loved by students and by faculty. We will miss her contribution to our program. She was a fine woman. Susan Egan Assistant Dean Close

Linda's warmth and wisdom  / Serge Kovaleski
Whenever I would see Linda and chat with her, I always left feeling 20 feet tall. She had a warmth that was so genuine that it would transcend anything else that was going on at the time. Like her smile, her heart was enormous, and I feel lucky that I knew such a caring and inspiring human being who always saw the good in things. Linda was the first of the Nessel's to meet my wife, who fell in love with her right away. She would describe Linda as radiant, wise and selfless. The three of us drank coffee that rainy afternoon in Washington. I felt at times that I was talking to my own mother as Linda was so happy that I had met such an amazing woman.
We miss you a lot Linda. But you will be in our hearts and souls forever.
Love,
Serge Close

Thank you Linda for your wisdom  / Rey Rodriguez (friend and mentee )

I met Linda as a young single dad in the South Bronx trying to keep my head above water and a postive outlook on life.  Linda's constant words of encouragement and her wisdom on life helped not only me. but a handful of my peers understand the true concept of community building.  She has influenced me and others to keep true to her pearls of wisdom which are now a part of mine.  I will definetely pass them on.

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To be one of Linda's children  / James Nessel (Son)

No one ever likes being called a "mammas boy" but in this instance I wold wear the title proudly.  I remember watching movies growing up and there was always the scene of the mom dropping her child off a block away from the destination to avoid embarassment.  I never understaood that scene, not just cause Mom didn't drive, but because I can honestly say none of us were embarassed by our mom.  She had this unique ability to fit in anywhere and talk about anything- I guess their really is something to be said for never missing a page of the NYT in 69 years. We were always in awe of how she could take part in any conservation, with any audience, and never be intimidated and at the same time make everyone else around her feel more comfortable.  I remember at my rehershal dinner a group was discussing smoking and I see mom come over and get ready to chime in.  I couldn't imagine what a woman who had never touched a cigarette or drop of alchol could possibly have to interject, and if it was anyone else I would have been nervous of what would come next, but it was mom.  She explained how she could totally see the appeal of smoking and had always been tempted to try, "as she always loved the smell of cigarette smoke."  No one likes cigarrette smoke, and no one else could get away with this but coming from mom with her ever present smile it was so genuine that everyone just nodded in agreement.  I only recall this bizarre story cause it was so her: never judgemental when she had the chance, always the smartest in the room but never flaunting it and finding praise when there was seeming none to be found.

One of my favorite pastimes was going to visit mom at work.  It wasn't so much seeing what she did but meeting her co-workers.  The second you walked in everyone knew everything abot you becuase she was always gushing about us.  I can't tell you how many people have said to me "so you are one of Linda's sons" and each time it had specal meaning.  Not just becuase of how proud she was of us but I recognized that look and it was really "what must it be like to be one of linda's children?"  What I will remeber most is how blessed we are to have known.  

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