Linda Gonyo-Horne

Linda Jean Gonyo-Horne died on July 23, 2021 of natural causes at her home in Champlain, NY. She was 65 years old. She is predeceased by her father, Arnold R. Gonyo, and brother, Thomas A. Gonyo; she is survived by her husband, Michael K. Horne, son Robert A. K. Gonyo, daughter-in-law Dr. Nicole Smizer, and grandchildren Eliana and Diana Gonyo, as well as step-children Carol Hart and family, Kelly Lee and family, Bruce Horne, and extended family. She will forever be loved and missed by her mother, siblings, child and step-children, and grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Born June 11, 1956 in Plattsburgh, NY to Arnold and Evelyn Gonyo, Linda was the second of six children. She graduated from Northeastern Clinton Central School (NCCS) before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Siena College ('78). After college, Linda returned to the North Country and worked for 35 years with U.S. Customs & Border Protection, serving in the leadership of the union, before retiring in 2019.

She was a passionate advocate for education and service to the community. Linda served as a member of the NCCS school board for over 15 years, served as a CVES Board member representing NCCS for the past 18 years, and on the NYS Rural School Association (RSA) Board of Directors for the past decade. In 2019, Linda was awarded the RSA's Anne Z. Paulin Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding leadership and board service to improve educational opportunities for students across New York.

Linda was also an active member of the Champlain-Rouses Point Kiwanis Club since 2000, as a Director for approximately 15 years and most recently as the club's President, and having served as Lieutenant Governor of the Adirondack Division of Kiwanis several times over. She was also an integral member of the Chazy WoodmenLife Lodge 462, having variously served as Secretary and President during her tenure. She was a past Jurisdictional President, and past National Delegate for WoodmenLife. She could always be counted on to contribute to any organizational fundraiser, from Girl Scout cookies to Boy Scout popcorn to any kind of raffle that asked for support.

An ardent supporter and lover of the arts, Linda enjoyed attending country music concerts, taking in theatrical productions at St. Michael's Playhouse and local student shows, and reading the complete works of Stephen King. She was immensely proud of Robby, and cherished her granddaughters Ellie and Diana.

Calling hours are Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Champlain.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Mooers.

In lieu of flowers, Linda would want you to “send forth a tiny ripple of hope,” and donate time and resources to the charity or cause that you are passionate about. “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” — Robert F. Kennedy

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