Linda Kay Cournia

Linda Kay (Morrisey) Cournia, 74, a lifelong Crookston, MN resident, was surrounded by family when she passed away September 27, 2023, in Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, where she was being treated for recent health issues. 

Linda Kay Morrisey was born on November 3, 1948, to John and Dorothy (Glass) Morrisey and attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1966.  She was united in marriage to Robert Cournia in 1967 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Linda and Robert made their home in Crookston with their three children: Michelle, Christopher, and Rebecca.  She worked for the Polk County Sheriff's Department as a court bailiff for 42 years.  She also spent many years working as a telephone operator, for Town & Country, and at The Hobby Shop, where she furthered her love of crafts and sold lots of candy and snacks to high school students on lunch breaks.  As a result, she was really good at sales tax and percentages, but we jokingly never asked her for help on math homework after 4th grade!  Linda could be found volunteering at the Villa St Vincent, participating in her St. Rebecca's church circle, serving as an election judge each November, driving around the countryside picking up farm parts, or helping move equipment from one field to another. But she never learned to drive stick shift – which was sage advice from her mother-in-law!  

Family was of utmost importance to Linda, and she was always keeping tabs on us and making sure we were okay.  Growing up, Linda spent many cherished times with cousins, aunts and uncles and kept in touch with them through the years.  She was always the first person to sign up for the family reunion, having attended one this past July.  Linda knew people wherever she went and was often referred to more as a sister than a friend or cousin. If she didn't know you yet, she simply made you her new friend.

Linda was fondly known as 'Grandma Linda' not only to her grandchildren, but also to their friends who quickly became adopted grandkids.  But when you hung out with Grandma Linda you best mind your words. If she heard any swearing, you would be told, "that's a quarter!"

Linda enjoyed spending time at the lake in the summer and Arizona in the winter.  She, Robert and the kids would haul their camper to campgrounds throughout Minnesota as the kids grew up until finally settling at Potato Lake.  Over the years Linda cross-stitched many projects including personalized Christmas stockings for each family member.  She always had a book on the side table that was half read, handmade birthday cards at the ready, and a warm smile greeting you when you walked in the door. 

Linda was loved and cherished by so many and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.  We love and miss our mom/grandma/great grandma with all of our hearts.  Our conversations with her never ended without an ‘‘I love you’.  Our hearts are broken, and our lives will never be the same.  We know she is greeting everyone in heaven with that big, bright smile of hers.

Linda is lovingly survived by her children: Michelle (Rod) Erdmann and Chris (Jacqueline) Cournia of Crookston, and Rebecca (Raymond) Broadwell of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Amber (Paul) Smith, Justin (Jen) Erdmann, Ashleigh Erdmann, Lindsay Cournia, Caitlyn (Patrick) Warren, Ian Cournia, and Johnathan Cournia; great grandchildren, Emersen, Sutton and Braxton Smith, Landon Kraft, Ella, Cullen and Brenna Anderson, and Graham Warren; sister-in-law, Barbara Cournia; extended family and many friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Robert; parents John and Dorothy Morrisey; sister, Sharon Morrisey; parents- in-law, Delmont and Lorraine Cournia; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be given in Linda’s name to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, or the Crookston Firefighters Association.

Mass of Christian Burial for Linda will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 3, 2023, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Monday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service and time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the Mass. Both services will be livestreamed by going to www.crooksoncathedral.com or www.stenshoelhouske.com. Burial will take place in the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston. Messages of condolence may be offered to Linda’s family on the funeral home website.