Kay Habenstein Lancaster

My aunt Carla, Linda's sister, forwarded me this email she received from my mother's best friend in high school:

My dear Carla and Linda's family:

I just read of Linda's passing and my heart if heavy for you. Linda and I were best friends at U-High in Columbia, Mo back in 1958-62. We first met in Mrs. Robert's English I class and then Linda encouraged me to join the Chess Club. We lived just a few blocks apart and we enjoyed sneaking out of our houses at 3:00 AM and meeting on South Williams Street and talking and laughing under the street lamp. We thought we were so clever and we just knew that our folks didn't know.

Three years ago at my father's 90th birthday party he brought up my friendship with Linda. "You girls thought you were so smart when you went out in the middle of the night. Your mother and I knew about your adventures but we trusted you and Linda and knew you were good friends." Linda and I were out talking about poetry, books, boys, and politics!

There are many stories I have about Linda and growing up in the Midwest and coming of age. My deepest sympathy to you and to Linda's family and friends.

Kay Habenstein Lancaster
Class of 1962 U-High