'The heart of St. Norbert,' Linda Misch passes away at age 72

Linda Misch, described as "the heart" of St. Norbert Catholic School in Northbrook, died Dec. 13 at age 72.

She served 32 years as a preschool aide, but her reach far surpassed even parish grounds.

"She was quite a figure here in Northbrook," said Sally Colpi, one of Mrs. Misch's four children along with Stephen, Amy and Patrick.

She lived in Northbrook for 47 years, after she and her husband, Tom, moved from their native Chicago shortly after getting married in 1972.

They had been a couple since their first date at a 1962 sock hop in the basement of St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Edgebrook.

She was a "natural grandmother" to three granddaughters and 11 grandsons, as Stephen Misch said at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Norbert Catholic Church on Dec. 17.

"The greatest legacy she passed down to us, and ultimately her grandchildren," he said then, "was the example she set of complete and utter, unconditional love."

"This is a humongous loss for these 14 kids," Colpi said. "She was so special and influential in their lives. They feel it, they're hurt, and it's kind of scary to think, how do you move on from something like this."

The soft-spoken Mrs. Misch might choose patience.

She had the ability simply to be present and listen, a winning combination with her own children and grandchildren, and the teachers and young students she served until 2018.

"She had the patience of a saint, and it wasn't just with us kids," Sally Colpi said.

Born Linda Marie to parents Joseph and Jean Tauber on Oct. 4, 1948, and with a younger brother, Joseph Jr., over three decades at St. Norbert School, Mrs. Misch was one of those special people we're lucky to meet early in life.

Years later, a chance meeting with her at a Northbrook grocery or on the sidewalk brought a hug, a birthday remembered.

"Her relationship with every faculty member and student went beyond school. She built a relationship with everybody she met," said St. Norbert preschool director Lisa Oetking.

"She truly was the heart of St. Norbert. She remembered details that made you feel important. She had such a kind spirit, such a bright smile, and an unwavering faith and a genuine love for her students, friends and family."

Blessed with that patience, Mrs. Misch found it second nature to connect and play with St. Norbert's preschool and kindergarten students. Sitting on the floor with them, playing, teaching.

Her own grandchildren, too.

"Whenever she talked about them her face lit up," Oetking said.

"That was her favorite thing with her grandkids," Colpi said. "Let everyone else cook and clean, if she could just play with the kids that's what she wanted, quality time with the kids. And they remember it."

With friends she attended plays at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. She liked shopping with her mother at Old Orchard in Skokie, picking up a gift for a grandchild to deliver at the right time, or stuff in a closet with all the other presents she'd pull out at Christmas.

Linda and Tom Misch loved to travel - even if it was just for a relaxing trip to Glencoe Beach or Gilson Beach in Wilmette.

Tom being a Notre Dame graduate, Mrs. Misch was a staunch Fighting Irish football fan. "Notre Dame, Our Mother" was the last song played at her service.

"None of us were allowed to get married on a Notre Dame football Saturday," Sally Colpi said, partially joking,

An expert rummy player, Stephen Misch recalled at the Mass, Mrs. Misch faithfully attended her children's and grandchildren's sporting events.

"As my brother stated, when it comes to mothers we hit the jackpot," Colpi said.

Donations may be made to St. Norbert Catholic School. A recording of the Dec. 17 Mass is available at northbrookcatholic.church.

"The whole community of St. Norbert is truly heartbroken," Oetking said. "I feel that we're all trying to live our lives the way she did, to carry on her legacy."