Remembering Linda Hoerner

Linda Hoerner and Guido Odin at the 2011 convention in Philadelphia hosted by Jenny Taliadoros and David Wolfe.

The paper doll community lost a dear friend last month with the passing of Linda Hoerner. She was an enthusiastic collaborator, creating paper doll souvenirs and centerpieces for Morgantown luncheons as well as conventions that were held around the country. 

The fabulous logo Linda created for the 2017 convention that Val Keller and I hosted in Philadelphia.

Here's a sample of what she contributed toward the 2016 Morgantown luncheon:

Souvenir

Raffle table donations

Centerpieces

Later that same year she led a workshop at the Phoenix convention:

Here she is at the Chattanooga convention in 2015, where she also

contributed her talents (souvenirs, name-tags, etc.)

A first place finish in competition:

So many of us recall the surprise gifts and letters, or the uplifting message at just the right moment--the moment when we needed it most. In all the ways that mattered, Linda showed up.

Linda Ocasio: In addition to numerous paper dolls, Linda created other fun items. Two that I have in my collection include large paper snowman earrings to brighten a winter’s day, and a Shrinky Dink charm bracelet featuring a cat with different outfits, complete with tabs! On the bottom of the charm bracelet box she had printed: “Handmade by Linda Hoerner, the self-appointed ‘Queen of Whimsy.’” She was funny and never took herself too seriously. I’ll miss the emails she sent to me, “Linda of the O,” signed “Linda of the H.” 

Valerie Keller: To my surprise Linda sent me a Halloween gift one year: a jointed paper cat with a detachable mouse and a couple of costume hats and a big polka dot bowtie. Linda was like that; she would just send you something out of the blue. She seemed to have a boundless well of ideas, and her sales tables overflowed with paper dolls, greeting cards, bookmarks, earrings, mini paper dolls and much more, all in her signature playful style. She was incredibly humble about her talents. I remember her telling me that her approach was to make things that made her happy, and then to hope other people would like them too. And we did.

One more picture:

Ron Fong and Linda Hoerner at the 2017 convention.