Linda Costello Silmon

Linda Costello Silmon, 79, passed away on July 18, 2023. Linda was born July 13, 1944, to Bob and Lottie Costello in Delhi, LA., and was raised in Oak Grove, LA., where she graduated from Kilbourne High School.   In 1965, Linda earned her RN degree from Mercy Hospital-Street Memorial School of Nursing in Vicksburg, MS.

Upon moving to West Monroe to work at Glenwood Hospital, she met her beloved husband Walter Silmon, whom she was married to for 30 years until his passing in 1997.

Walter founded Silmon Wholesale Candy upon returning from WWII, and after they married, Linda joined him in the family business. Known around town as “the candy lady”, she took pride in knowing her customers by name, and “selling something you could buy with the change in your pocket.” Even after Walter’s passing, Linda forged ahead, growing the success of the business for more than 20 years, earning her the Entrepreneurial Success Award in 2014 by the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.

In her women’s church group, Vota Vita, Linda cherished the friendships and fellowship of her fellow prayer warriors.  She was also known for her exceptional cooking, she loved to entertain, always creating a wonderful place for family and friends to gather and celebrate just about any occasion.

Longing to spend more time with her daughter Shelly and granddaughter Amelie, Linda moved to New Orleans in 2021.  She became a beloved resident of the Lambeth House in New Orleans, and enjoyed her group, “the Mardi Girls” and their Tuesday weekly dinner rotation.  Her friends always aspired to be as polished and put together as Linda.  In her new home, she quickly became known for this, as well as her unforgettable smile, the never-changing qualities we all knew her for.   

Family was her greatest joy in life, and she never missed the opportunity to support them; from pridefully watching Amelie perform and compete on stage with dance, to seeing her daughter Shelly follow in her footsteps becoming an RN.

There was nothing she loved more than the happiness of her family and being surrounded by her loved ones and dear friends.

She always looked forward to the many memories that were made during special holiday celebrations and traveling with Shelly, son-in-law Jeff, Amelie, family, and friends.

She was a person of incredible strength and fortitude. Her memory will always be a blessing to those privileged to have known her, and a wonderful example of a life well led.

Linda is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Walter Thomas Silmon; parents, Lottie and Bob Costello; brother, Billy Ray Costello; and stepson, Steve Silmon.

Left to cherish her memories are devoted daughter Shelly Silmon Cohn (Jeff) of New Orleans; granddaughters, Amelie and Skylar of New Orleans; stepson Wayne Silmon (George Ann) of Shreveport; grandchildren, Kim Williams (Kyle) of Baton Rouge, Jeff Silmon (Meredith) of Shreveport, Rachel Place (Chris) of West Monroe, Walt Silmon (Heather) of West Monroe; great grandchildren, Jake, Josh, Jackson, Mary Francis, Caraline, Logan, Savoy, and Campbell; brother, Robert Costello; sister-in-law, Sheila Costello; as well as six nephews and one niece.

Services will be held in the Feazel Chapel at First West Baptist Church, 311 Mill Street in West Monroe, LA., on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M., with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 P.M.  Following the service family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Reception at The Lotus Club, 130 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA.

For any who would like to attend, graveside services will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 22, 2023, before the visitation and service. 451 Highway 151 North in Calhoun, Louisiana.  (Due to the extreme heat, the family understands all are not able to attend.)

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Louisiana Baptist Children's’ Home in memory of Linda.