Linda (Harden) Carnell

Linda Sharon Harden Carnell age 70, of Montverde, FL passed on June 6, 2019 in San Mateo, CA with her family by her side.
Linda was born in Montverde on June 22, 1948. She was a 4th-generation Montverde resident, and she cherished her hometown where she resided for most of her life. A teacher in Orange County for decades, she retired from Hope Charter School in Winter Garden, Fl. She loved her profession and her students beyond measure and delighted in her students’ successes.
Linda graduated from Clermont High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from UCF with an emphasis in social work. She was an avid horsewoman and adored animals, adopting numerous rescued cats and dogs throughout her life. She also championed for children and anyone who needed her support. Like her mother and many of her 7 siblings she was a gardener who brought flowers and smiles into the world.
Married in 1975 to Richard Carnell, she was a devoted single mother to her only child, Ky Autumn Russell. She dedicated her life to her immediate and extended family and was described as having never met a stranger. Her incredible Baptist Faith, enthusiasm for life, and extraordinary love for her daughter, granddaughter, and dear brother David never faltered through her long battle with dementia. She joyfully and courageously went to meet her Jesus.
She is survived by her daughter, Ky Autumn Russell, son-in-law Will, granddaughter Trillium, and siblings David Harden, Roddy Harden, Jean Gonzales, and Joe Harden. She was predeceased by her parents Margaret Martin Harden and Clarence Harden, former husband Richard Carnell, and siblings Laverne McCarthy, Carey Harden, and Clarence Harden.
Donations can be made in her honor to Cindy’s Celebrations, an organization that blessed mom with many happy moments when her life was incredibly hard. Donations may also be made to your local animal shelter. You could also visit your shelter and find the animal least likely to get adopted and take it home, nothing would please her more.
A memorial service to celebrate her will be held at First Baptist Church in Winter Garden, FL on July 13, 2019 at 2 pm. She will be buried at a private ceremony at the Montverde Cemetery.