Linda Leigh Mitchell, originally of Memphis, Tennessee, died at her home in Ventura, California on Monday morning, October 26, 2015 after a five year battle with cancer. Beloved mom to Melisa and Dilara, adored “Mimi” to Dilara, Kendra, Dylan and Amelia, sister to Jimmy, Peggy, and Pam; mother-in-law to Mehran and Jake, second mother to Serife, Fahri and Sultan in Istanbul, Turkey, fashionable“Mitch” to her “W” classmates in Mississippi, friend and mentor to countless others around the globe, she was loved and admired by so many people whose lives she touched in her 72 years. She will always be remembered for her love of adventure and travel, her passion for Turkey and all things Turkish, her impeccable style, and her sense of humor, sharp wit, and warmth. We feel that at least now, her indomitable spirit can roam free in the universe, no longer burdened by her disease.
Linda did not want to be mourned, instead, she wanted us to get together and celebrate her life. So, instead of a funeral, we will be hosting a Celebration at Melisa and her husband Mehran’s home in Northridge, CA. Details of the celebration will follow in a separate email. We understand that this email goes to many of you living in far corners of the world: Turkey, England, Qatar, Egypt, Switzerland, and others so we know that even if you wanted to come, it might not be possible. If you can’t attend, please reach out to us via email or old fashioned letter, and share with me and my sister Dilara a favorite memory or thoughts you had about our mother. It would mean a lot to us to keep the memory of her as alive as possible. In lieu of flowers, per her wishes, please send donations to The American Cancer Society or Planned Parenthood.
The mailing address for correspondence is:
Melisa Canli Dilara Dyer
17030 Itasca Street 4167 E. Spearfish Dr.
Northridge, CA 91325 Meridian, ID 83646
You can reach me in the US by phone at 818-486-6090 and my sister Dilara Dyer at 208-867-6849. After the celebration, I will return to Doha, Qatar where I live with my husband and two daughters and Dilara will return to Meridian, Idaho to be with her husband, son, and daughter.
By email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Thank you for being a part of Linda’s life. We hope to see many of you at the celebration to honor her and cherish her memory.
In grief,
Melisa Canli and Dilara Dyer
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.