Linda Z. Sauchak

July 27, 1962 - May 3, 2022

Linda Zina Sauchak, a resident of Huntington Woods, passed away on May 3, 2022 at the age of 59. A daughter of John and Nina (nee Shilko), she was born on July 27, 1962 in Detroit. Linda studied food science at Michigan State University before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She made her career as a chef in several restaurants, including Amway Grand Plaza, Bijou, Holiday Market, and The Earle. Linda was a well-rounded chef, but was particularly gifted in pastry making. She married the love of her life, Carol Lakinske, on June 19, 2014 in New Hampshire. Linda cherished being a mother to her daughter, Grace. Linda's baking was superior to her singing, but she never hesitated to belt out a tune for friends and family. She was a jokester whose laugh was equal parts hideous, contagious, and genuine. She made Halloween costumes for her family that followed a different theme every year, including Disney, Spongebob Squarepants, and Shrek. Linda was a diehard Spartan fan (Go Green!) and loved all animals. She kept a fishing pole in her trunk, and particularly enjoyed catching fish in Florida and the Upper Peninsula. Selfless beyond measure, Linda was a caretaker to others. She loved her family and friends ferociously and will be dearly missed. Beloved wife of Carol Lakinske. Loving mother of Grace Lakinske. Dear sister of John (Gayle) and Greg (Donna) Sauchak. Cherished aunt of Brooke (Grant Phillips), Bradley, Christina (Dan) Bierley, and Alex Sauchak. Treasured niece of Irene Prosser and Louise Senich. Doting owner of Beagle/Chihuahua mix Joy Joy, and cats Mr. Boo and Abby. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sister Judy Sauchak, and uncles George Shilko, Earl Prosser, and Mark Senich. A visitation for Linda will take place on Friday, May 6, from 2:00 until 8:00 pm and on Saturday, May 7, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. A funeral service for Linda will be held on Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 pm at St. John's Episcopal Church, 26998 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. Linda will be laid to rest privately at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing/John and Nina Sauchak Scholarship Fund, 4315 Pleasant Grove Rd, Lansing, MI 48910.