Linda Sharon Botkin Schoenhoff, of Chillicothe, OH, and Virginia Beach & Newport News, VA passed away on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 with her husband, Klaus, at her side. Linda was a veteran Navy journalist, librarian, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, dietician, caterer, secretary, and since 1974, an active member of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, VA.
She was generous and gracious and lived out her faith with action. If she knew of someone in need, they were never without a family. Everyone was welcome at her table. She loved to cook for people and feeding the hungry was important to her. The family’s Thanksgiving table was sometimes surrounded by twenty to thirty people, and often included strangers. She worked with the church’s food pantry and served for many years to support its Deacons’ Fund, an outreach to families in need. She loved to sing and play guitar, and sang with the church choir for over 40 years.
One of her many passions in life was reading. Linda taught several people to read and write well. She encouraged people to learn and pushed herself the same way. While raising two small children, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University.
Linda is survived by Klaus Schoenhoff, her husband of 58 years, son, Peter, and wife, Holly; daughter, Katherine, and husband, Jason, and daughter Barbara Danielle. Grandchildren; Alixandra, Erich, Benjamin, Gabriel, and Raina, beloved younger brother Kenneth of Maryland, sisters-in-law Margrit Skudrzyk of Colorado and Pamela Botkin of Ohio, much-loved nieces and nephews Scott, Cindy, Robin, Troy, Lisa, Buddy, Erin, Ryan, and Nicholas, and many other extended family members.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Nov. 11, 2023 at Calvin Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Linda had requested that donations be made in her memory to Calvin Presbyterian Church’s Food Pantry or Deacon’s Fund.
To further honor her memory, we welcome you to bring a treasured children’s book to share at the Celebration of Life service. Any that are left as donations will be given to a local domestic violence families shelter.
