St. Charles woman fought illness bravely

A St. Charles woman whose last years were called a miracle, and who inspired others with her positive attitude despite a serious illness, has died at 62.

Linda Hensel died Friday at Delnor-Community Hospital from kidney failure, according to her husband, Ted. He and other family members were with her.

Hensel had received a lung transplant in July 1999 despite predictions from doctors that she would not live long enough to receive it. She was diagnosed with connective tissue disease about 10 years ago. The disease spread to her lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe.

"She was truly an inspiration. She never complained or felt sorry for herself," Ted Hensel said. "All the doctors at the hospital knew her. They said she would cheer everyone up. She was a real good person."

At one point, Hensel received care from hospice and doctors advised against a transplant. But she recovered and was placed on a list after her physician from Delnor spoke to a doctor on the transplant team at Loyola University Medical Center.

"I think they wanted to know if she had a support system, and she did," her husband recalled.

The Hensels received a call that a lung was available about 3 a.m. during July 4th weekend in 1999, and she was in surgery eight hours later.

"She was just a miracle," her husband said. "The transplant gave us eight more wonderful years."

Hensel was an elementary school teacher in St. Charles who studied early childhood development. According to her husband, she helped start the at-risk program for 3- to 5-year-olds in the St. Charles school district.

Hensel was the mother of three adult children.

A memorial service will be held later this month at St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles.

For details, call the Norris Funeral Home at (630) 584-2000.