Linda Lee Kumpunen

Linda Lee Kumpunen, 76, of Ocean Springs, MS, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2024 surrounded by her family after a month-long struggle following a stroke. 

She was born on August 12, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts to Ruth and Thomas Proctor. She was a graduate of Plymouth-Carver High School. In addition to raising six children she held various positions in three different school districts in Wisconsin and Mississippi. Later in life she was a tax preparer—often doing taxes pro bono for those in need—and babysitter to her great-grandson. Linda was a devoted lifetime caregiver to several loved ones with mental illness. She was active in her church, Belle Fountain Baptist Church, serving as a children’s Sunday School teacher for many years. She enjoyed traveling to visit her family all over the country, having lunch with friends, and attending the symphony.

Her infinitely generous and kindhearted spirit will be missed greatly by so many family members and friends. They are comforted in the knowledge that they will be reunited again with her one day. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth & Thomas Proctor; her brother, Donald Cadman; and her son-in-law, Thomas Higgins.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 57 years, Donald Kumpunen; her children, Kimberly Bayerl (Tim), Lori Higgins, Matthew Kumpunen, Steven Kumpunen (Holly), Derek Kelley and Colin Kelley; her sisters, Patti Lindsay (Bill) and Sharon Atrock; her grandchildren, Alexa Harrison (Clint), Bo Bayerl (Wyatt), Jake Bayerl, Cade Bayerl, Carter Bayerl, Logan Slaga Kumpunen, Tegan Slaga Kumpunen, Lilah Higgins, Grace Higgins, and Hank Higgins; her great-grandson, Jett Cutrer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at Belle Fountain Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on Saturday, February 24th. A visitation with the family will be from 10-11am and a funeral service will follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://donate.NAMI.org/Lindy.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Lee Kumpunen.