Linda Ranieri

MADISON - Linda Ranieri of Madison, Wis., sadly passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 73, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Linda’s wife, Sue Behnke, and son, Garrett Hughes, were at her side.

Linda was born on July 8, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., the oldest of five siblings to parents Gus and Julia (Pieracinni) Ranieri, who were first generation Americans, as her grandparents had emigrated from Italy. Growing up in, and among a large extended family was a true gift that Linda cherished with loving, and long-lasting relationships that only grew tighter and stronger over time.

In 1968 she left for college, attending St Mary’s College in Winona, Minn. This is where she met Garrett’s father, and ex-husband Peter Hughes, a farm boy from Stratford, Wis., and they found their way to Madison in 1972.

After arriving in Madison, Linda began her career as an educator with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Little did she know upon her arrival from Winona, that this would be where she would spend her entire 30-year career as a compassionate, caring, empathetic educator who was constantly advocating on behalf of her students. As educators know, your job isn’t fulfilled when the final bell rings, so Linda spent hours of her free time following retirement to mentor and guide the next generation of teachers to ensure that the same love and care she devoted to her students would carry on.

Linda met the love of her life, Sue Behnke, while they both worked at MMSD. For over 40 years they shared their love, laughter, and kindness with many in their welcoming home, so much so, that many of Garrett’s friends formed lifelong relationships with both of them. Although Linda was not a natural lover of dogs, Sue’s influence won her over, and they shared their home with many wonderful pups over the years. In 2017, Linda and Sue were finally able to marry at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Most summer days you could find her working in their impressive garden and yard, biking, hiking or just enjoying time outdoors. In addition to these activities, Linda also had a passion for travel. From Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, to Italy, to Minocqua, Wis., she loved her time away from Madison and the friends she met along the way.

Although Linda loved being a teacher, that was not to be the defining role of her life. It seemed like all the years, all the love, all the effort was just a precursor to the love and connection she would bring forth as a grandmother. “Nonna” as her grandsons Cole and Evan called her, filled their lives with love, light and laughter. Garrett and his wife, Ginny, will be forever grateful for her presence in their lives.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Gus, and her sister, Diana. She is survived by her wife, Sue; son, Garrett; daughter-in-law, Ginny; and grandsons, Cole and Evan; her mother, Julia; brothers, Chris and John Ranieri; sisters-in-law, Donna and Chris Ranieri; sister, Julie Ranieri; and brother-in-law, Roberto Delgado; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at their family home, 311 Lance Lane, Madison. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Goodman Community Center or Agrace HospiceCare.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.