Ermalinda Bickel's Obituary
Ermalinda Bickel, known as Linda Bickel and in the early years upon migrating to the U.S. from Italy was known as Emaline Fortino (a name translation from a nun), daughter of Sam and Emilia Fortino, both deceased. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. James Weber (Rose) of Goshen, IN and Ft. Myers, FL; and an adopted daughter, Patricia, former wife of Roger Heiser. They had two sons: Michael of Elkhart, IN and Timothy of Bristol, IN, who preceded her in death. Linda retired from Miles Laboratories (now Bayer) as a Technical Secretary, Sr. grade, equivalent title to administrative secretary the second time around. In the first hiring at Miles, she was secretary to Charles Miles, president of Ames Company, an ethical subsidiary of Miles. In the interim time between the Miles years, she free-lanced work for lawyers, a bank, and Sorg’s Jewelry Store. In addition, she was president and chief broker of her real estate firm known as Blue Chip Realty, for this she was written in Who’s Who for many years. She received her graduate Real Estate Institute Certificate (GRI) from Purdue University in 1982. Her hobbies: an avid bridge player (where she won honors in duplicate bridge by playing in Chicago) and engrossed in many crafts whether it be crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sewing or whatever. In 1990 she enrolled in a class at the Elkhart Art League and from then on, art became her passion- oils, water color, pastel and acrylics- she demonstrated her works in art shows in Florida, Indiana, and at motor home rallies with much success. Linda was a former member of Elkhart’s Zonta International, a professional woman’s club that has been in operation since November 8, 1919, which coincidentally was Linda’s birth date; also a former member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority; Women of the Moose and Lake Eustis Museum of Art. She remained a member of Elk’s Auxiliary 1578 in Eustis, FL; the Italian/American Club of Lake County; Eustis Art League; the American Legion Auxiliary; an endowment member of the Four Arts Club in Elkhart, IN; and St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis. She married William E. Bickel, a Pearl Harbor survivor, on August 10, 1946 – he died on October 10, 2003. Both were constant travelers with their motor home throughout the U.S. and Canada, and flew around the world, where she utilized her Spanish, German and fluent Italian languages. The latter language was updated at the University of Notre Dame. Upon retirement, they lived equal time in Florida and Elkhart, IN, where they reared and graduated from St. Vincent’s Catholic grade school and Elkhart High School. While in Elkhart they were members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. In 2002, they sold their home on Cottage Avenue (which Bill designed) and lived there for 44 years, and moved permanently to Florida. Linda passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017. She will be inurned with Bill (her love and constant companion) in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. A Graveside Service will be held at Florida National Cemetery on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1:30PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors, 326 E. Orange Ave., Eustis, FL 32726 (352)357-4193. Online condolences may be left at www.hamlinhilbish.com
What’s your fondest memory of Ermalinda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ermalinda?
Share a story where Ermalinda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ermalinda you’ll never forget.
How did Ermalinda make you smile?
