My memories of Linda date back to 1965 … 60 years!
We were sorority sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta at Syracuse University, Class of 1966. Alan Tell was also in the picture—they were a solid couple even back then. I can still see them cuddling in the foyer as the curfew lights were blinking.
Linda Ann McCracken was from Oil City, Pennsylvania. Nicknames are a form of affection, and that’s why she got hers. It stuck, and through the decades, she was our beloved Crackey.
Crackey and I became especially close during our senior year, having decided to room together. What I remember: we had a lot of fun, nothing bothered her, and she liked to laugh. But she had a serious side as well. During our senior year, Linda served as chapter president. Her firmness, fairness, and leadership skills served as a buffer between the Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae, who were concerned with rules and expectations, and the undergraduates, who had other ideas. She was wise and diplomatic, a good listener, and sensitive to everyone’s needs. Somehow she directed us onto the right path, worked with both sides to reach good results and kept everyone happy.
Crackey’s major was special education, working with children with mental, emotional, and physical challenges. Each night, I would hear about her day during her student-teaching semester. I marveled at her patience, dedication, and determination to love those children and make a difference in their lives. She continued throughout her teaching career, shining a light on special-ed kids, insisting that they be included and integrated as members of the school community.
She also volunteered in other capacities as well. She shared stories with us about working with the Jewish men prisoners at the state prison in Boise. I wonder if her kids know any of those details—hilarious! That was Crackey. She wanted everyone to be the best they could be and she wanted them to have a great time doing it.
When many of us returned to Syracuse for our 20th reunion, we pledged to stay in close touch, so many reunions followed. As we got older, we chose to meet more often, enjoying new destinations all around the country. We rejoiced in the memories we made and shared our lives as they unfolded. We last celebrated with Crackey in Virginia in 2022 when she was still able to join us, though halfway through her lung cancer battle. Here’s a collage of photos from our reunions, with Crackey in each one through the decades. She’s the tall one, with a head of dark brown hair and later with her beautiful white curls.
I was fortunate to live near Crackey here in Portland, so we continued our closeness through the years. This past week, I had phone chats of remembrance with our sisters around the country. I’m here representing the many AGD women, whose lives were touched by Linda, by her wisdom, her practical nature, her kindness, her sense of humor—often delivered in deadpan style. (She once told us: “I’ve learned to keep my expectations low; that way I’m never disappointed.”). We called those Crackey-isms.
Linda was a gentle soul who treasured her family and friends. Her Summerfield connections were very important to her. I enjoyed watching you at your dances and saw the affection and joy you found in each other. We all admired her strength and courage as she carried on with grit, grace, and gratitude. She is loved by all of us and will continue to live in our hearts, as we cherish our memories of Linda Tell.
Suzie with Linda’s family.