Linda Ann Bland

Age 70 of Wilmington, Illinois, died peacefully at her home on Thursday afternoon, March 31, 2022.

Born March 26, 1952 on Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, Linda Ann is a daughter of David and Connie (Ramirez) Spellman of Anniston, Alabama. Growing up in a military family, Linda moved with the family regularly and graduated from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa Oahu, Hawaii with the Class of 1970. She went on to earn a BA in Education, Master’s Degree in Reading, as well as a second Master’s Degree in Administration later in her career.  All at Lewis University.

Linda was working at Motorola in Schaumberg, Illinois when she met Robert Bland, Jr., whom she went on to marry September 9, 1972 in St. Monica Catholic Church in Carpentersville, Illinois. Together they moved to Wilmington on April 27, 1974 where they establish their roots and raised their family.

Mrs. Bland leaves behind a legacy in education, initially working for the Library as a Story Reader, prior to gaining employment with St. Rose Catholic School in Wilmington where she taught 3rd Grade, and later became Principal.  Mrs. Bland retired from St. Rose in 2019.

In her free time, Linda enjoyed reading; working in the yard tending to her flowers, cleaning, cooking and baking. In addition, she cherished watching her granddaughters carry on her love of sewing. Mrs. Bland was proud to have dedicated 34 years to the kids of St. Rose School, and the St. Rose families were only second to her own family. There is no doubt that she will be deeply missed by her many special friends and loved ones.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; three children: Robert, III (Berni) Bland of Belvidere, Illinois, Megan (Bob) Nugent of Wilmington and Samantha (James) Brassard of South Wilmington; seven grandchildren: Chloe, Rob, Raelene, Avrie Grace, Kevin, Maria and Alayna; her parents, David and Connie Spellman; sisters: Debbie Sickler of Florida and Sandy (the late Jeff) Matthews of Georgia; brothers-in-law: Bailey (Kathy) Bland, Ken (Sherri) Bland and Bill (Tracy) Bland; two nephews: Don (Jane) Sickler and Nate Matthews, and one great nephew, Drew Sickler, as well as countless friends.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 between the hours of 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at noon in St. Rose Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. John Merkelis, OSA presiding.

Those wishing to attend the services virtually are welcome to join the live-stream or watch on-demand through the link available on Linda’s memorial page.

Green flameless cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and Linda will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Linda’s memory to St. Rose C.C.W., or to Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Linda’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and green flameless cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)