Linda Hildegard Achner

Gerlinde Hildegard (Linda, Geda, Babcia), died peacefully at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home on Thursday, June 14, 2012. Born in Gleiwitz, Germany on June 6, 1923, Geda experienced firsthand the devastation of World War II in both Germany and Poland. In 1959 she traveled to the United States to visit her fraternal twin sister Gertrude (Traudi) Gatzek and never left, later becoming a U.S. citizen. After arriving in the U.S., she lived with Traudi and her family for almost 20 years, becoming a second mom to the many Gatzek children. At different times she lived in Saluda, Waynesboro, Lynchburg, Norfolk and Richmond (all in Virginia); the last eight years of her life she resided in Winston-Salem. Geda's life was permeated by her love for Christ and others. She was continually in prayer for family, friends, and people that she had never met. Geda had a special care for those in difficult circumstances and the alienated. Although her frugality was legendary, she was richly generous to others. Geda had many friends, was fun to be around and laughed easily. Though we know she is now joyfully at home with Christ, we deeply miss her. She is survived by Traudi's seven daughters and one son, Susan Hayes (Jeff), Elizabeth Judy (Mark), Christine Ruch (Rich), Margaret Wells (Steve), Trudy Glenn (Amos), Dorothy Lewis (Tony), Linda Cappellari (Jim) and Joseph Gatzek (Kim); 28 great nephews and nieces, and 14 great-great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her sister Gertrude and her husband of 60 years, Werner J. Gatzek M.D., her two brothers and her parents. The family would like to thank friends from Redeemer and Salem Presbyterian churches, Dr. Francis O'Brien, and the staff of the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for their kindness, prayers and support. A memorial service will be held at the chapel of the West End Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia at 10 AM on Saturday, June 23 with interment to follow at Westhampton Memorial Park. A gathering of friends and family to remember and honor Geda's life will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem at 7 PM on Friday, June 29. Online condolences may be sent to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Previous Events