Linda Madeline Koch

Linda Madeline Salvatore Koch, 77, of Smithfield, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence Nicholas Salvatore and Ramona Elizabeth West Salvatore. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jurgen Friedrich Koch; daughter, Christine Ann McKinney (Michael); sons, Lawrence Friedrich Koch (Mindy), Robert Joseph Koch (Shalor) and Anthony Christian Koch (Renee); grandchildren, Julie, Alix (Norman), Rebecca, Aaron, Emma and Jackson; great granddaughter, Titania; sister, Laraine Herner Stephan. She was also preceded in death by a daughter and son in law, Andrea Jean Gunter and Christopher; and a sister, Lorelei Harris.

Linda gained her angel wings after a long battle with kidney disease and is no longer suffering. She led a full life and fiercely loved her family. Being a mom and grandma was what she loved the most. She was an amazing cook, especially Italian and German food. She welcomed everyone with open arms. She was a very talented and respected graphic illustrator, a career she loved. She loved to sing with her sisters and also played guitar. She could find a song to sing for every occasion. Her smile was infectious and she loved to make others smile too. She will be dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, 2 p.m. at Littles Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. Burial will take place at a later date at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory and in Dad’s honor (Jurgen Koch) to the Alzheimer’s Association at Help fight Alzheimer's. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.