BY DIANE TROUNG

Corinne Linke, Nutrition Services Manager at West Covina High School, passed away in her sleep on February 18. Linke’s funeral was held on Sunday, February 24 at Sky Rose Chapel in Rose Hills. Starting at Edgewood Middle school, she has worked in the West Covina School District for a total of twenty-five years and has been at WCHS for six. Linke previously worked in the official office of the cafeteria; according to those who knew her, she has made a huge impact on the students and her coworkers for many years. Those who knew her also described her personality as kindhearted, gentle, and loving toward her family and WCHS students and staff alike.

Linke was a mother to two daughters and one son. One of her daughters, also Corinne Linke, follows her mother’s footsteps as she also works in the West Covina School District as a middle school teacher at Walnut Middle School. One of her close coworkers, Doreen Chavez, describes what an “amazing woman” Linke was. She adds that they have both worked the lunch windows together, “developed a very solid relationship” over the years and that they were much more than coworkers, they were great friends. Linke has reflected this same attitude toward people at WCHS. She would always portray her kindness and generosity to students lined up to purchase their lunch everyday and provide a smile to everyone she crossed paths with. Students all recognized her and showed deep emotions and concern in regards to her passing. Linke was known as “a positive influence to many” and left all with many happy memories of her.

UPDATE:

Letters compiled by Justin Moreno of (The Quest Yearbook)

Rachel Reynolds: “Corinne was more than just our kitchen manager, she was our friend. It never mattered how bad of a day you were having before entering the kitchen for work, Corinne always card enough to help. With her inviting smile and amiable attitude, you could talk to her about anything that was on your mind. I will always remember her kind greeting everyday; that brought a smile to my face. We will never forget her and she will always be missed.”

Cynthia Espinoza: “Corrine is a very special person. I do believe she had a friendship with all of the girls. Each one of us (22 girls) had a bond with her, she was a good listener. You could go to her and she would listen to the issues and give you adivce. I will always remember talking to her about my grandson, and showing her pictures. I will keep her in my heart always. She will be dearly missed.”

Moises Rosales: “I have worked in so many jobs in my life and met so many people and supervisors and managers. In several times I thought how nice Corrine was. She was a wonderful, very respectable, and very professional. One of the best people I’ve met in my whole life. I was able to express how happy she made me at work just days before she passed.”

Loriann Torres: “Corinne wasn’t just a wonderful boss but a wonderful person and friend. I was always able to share things with her and she always made time to listen. There will never be another like her. I miss her dearly.”

Doreen Chavez: “Corinne Linke, was my boss for six years. We worked side by side for one hour. We talked about everything and nothing. Corinne loved telling me about her family: her Grandson Cole loved to wear his Indiana outfit hat and vest. Her daughter Addie would razz her brother Adam about his football team 49ers. How funny when her son Adam had his expensive jeans washed and put in the dryer which shrank them.  Her husband Bob, she loved him with all her heart. I will miss Corinne very much.”

Daniel Gallo: “Corinne was a very smart person I always liked to pick her head when she was around. She always gave me great advice. Every time I was at work with her she was always in high spirits. I miss her around it’s not the same. She was never judgmental, just a positive person. I can’t imagine someone dying that young.”

Gloria Matheney: “My fondest memories of Corrine were her smile and her ability to have an answer to any of our question. She was pleasant, patient, and always helpful to us all. She will be greatly missed and will always remain in our hearts, thoughts and memories.”

Ruby Almanza: “When I heard that you left us I was simply blown away. How could that be possible?  It seemed we were just laughing yesterday. Your smile, your humor no one knew what you would do next, you had a very unique style! Oh how I anticipate the next day at work to see your smile as soon as I walked in. You had a truly special gift, always there for everyone. So dependable, sincere, kind, and gentle, and caring it felt good to have you near. So my dear departed friend I’ll think of you each day. Peace and rest and comfort. Your last words to me will help dry my tears you gave me a big hug and said have a good day.”

Yolanda Vigil: “Corinne was a special person to everybody. She was sweet, kind, and always happy. One memory that I have was talking about her Granddaughter in seeing her dance, which brought joy to her heart. Seeing her reaction, showed me how happy she was in life. Also on February 15, at the end of the day from work she told me we have a new AVON book which she recommended some shoes.  Replied looking at those shoes she told me. Yes those shoes are nice. I took the AVON book from her and said have a good weekend and she answered ‘Long weekend we will, see you Tuesday!’ It’s hard to see in one day someone special can be gone but her heart and actions will forever be in us.”

Alyssa Townson: “Unfortunately, I did not get to know Corrine for very long or very well since I just started working for the district a month before she passed. I could tell right away though that she was a very friendly, kind, and generous person who was always willing to help and had a great attitude. What little I did get to know her, I could see that this was true. Even though I didn’t know her very long, I am thankful to have met her and be blessed with her wonderful personality which has been an encouragement to me. I am deeply saddened by her loss, and will miss her and getting to know her more. She was very loved and always will be.”

Betty A.: “Corrine Linke- She was a great boss, a great lady, and a great friend. What else can I say –.”