Lynda Sue Markham

Lynda Sue Markham (Northup), 72, passed away on February 27, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born in 1951 in La Harpe, Illinois but spent most of her life in, and around St. Louis, Missouri. Lynda was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Markham, her brother, Gene and most recently her best friend, confidant and partner, Lou Recht. She is survived by her brother, Rex (Kathy), two sons, David (Rosie) and Jason (Jennie), grandchildren: Ricklynn (Daniel), Dustin, Dana (Zachary), Joshua, Cambria, Leo and Ella, and great-granddaughters Aliza, Scarlett, Lyla Mae, Adalynn and Cordelia May.

Those who knew Lynda were very aware of her love and adoration for her family. Watching her engage with her loved ones would never fail to bring a smile to your face. She did not hesitate to expand her definition of family to include new members. When Lynda married her first husband, Marvin, she welcomed stepdaughter Beth Ann with open arms. 

Lynda’s pride and joy were her two sons and she loved enjoying holiday meals together, laughing at their silly jokes (she had the best laugh) and dancing to Footloose in the 80s, 90s and even in 2019 at Jason’s wedding. She still had the best moves.

David and Jason have blended families, and Lynda became Grandma or “Bubbie” without hesitation to both Rosie and Jennie’s children. She did everything she could to show her love to all her grandchildren whether they were related by blood or not. The past few years she was smitten with the newest additions to her family: Leo (age 3) and Ella (age 1). She was a proud Bubbie, sharing photos and stories with her friends and keeping a photo of both as her phone’s wallpaper.

It was no secret that Lynda loved animals. Her home in Grubville would often look like Noah’s Arc, with at least two of everything. From peacocks, to horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, emus, sheep, pigs, cows, rabbits, chickens, geese, ducks, cats, dogs (of course) … far too many to name.

Lynda’s love for animals and the outdoors began in childhood, when she’d spend summers at her grandparents' farm, helping with the garden, animals, crops and milking cows. This is where she also learned how to can vegetables and make bread and butter. Spirited, hardworking and an avid learner, she became self-sufficient at a young age. In answering the question of what she was afraid of as a child, Lynda answered, "Nothing."

When she was 10 years old, Lynda became a more active caretaker to her two younger brothers as both her parents worked. She was also responsible for cleaning the house, doing laundry and cooking. Her family moved more than 22 times and she attended 22 different schools until she graduated high school. She liked all subjects but her favorites were English, Math and Computer Programming. She always had a natural talent for sewing, cooking and being self-sufficient.

As a young adult, Lynda worked at Missouri Savings and Loan in Clayton where she met her first husband, Marvin Polinsky in the early ‘70s, became step-mother to Beth Ann Gartin (Polinsky) and had their two sons, David and Jason. After David was born, she started her own business called Lynda’s Little Fashions, where she handmade children’s clothing. Her line was carried at the local Famous Bar and became so successful that she couldn’t keep up with the overwhelming demand and unfortunately had to discontinue.

In the early ‘80s, she met her second husband, Herb and eventually built a home on a 14-acre lot in Grubville where she lived until 2022. After Herb passed away in 2012, Lynda managed the land and all her animals independently.

Outside of family and home life, Lynda had quite the tenure at Washington University St. Louis, where she studied Business Administration from 1981 - 1983 and served as an Administrative Coordinator until she retired in 2016. She made countless friends throughout her time there.

In 2014, she developed a relationship with her long-time friend, Lou and created meaningful memories during the almost decade they were able to spend together. Being the selfless and compassionate person she was, Lynda dedicated herself to caring for Lou in his final days and was heartbroken to say goodbye in April 2023.

Lynda will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion and enduring love for her family and friends. Her smile would light up a room and her laugh would fill your heart with happiness. She will remain with us all in spirit and through our stories.

There will be a celebration of her life on March 23, 2024 from 10am-1pm at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. While she loved flowers, she loved animals even more. If you’d like to make a donation in her honor, please consider giving to the Humane Society of Saint Louis.