Family shares Warwick’s homeless walker’s story

By Tim Forsberg
Posted 6/30/16

Not all who wander are lost, but some keep walking until they are found.

Linda Lachance Wagner called Warwick home, as she had no home of her own. Known to many in the community by face if not by …

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Family shares Warwick’s homeless walker’s story

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Not all who wander are lost, but some keep walking until they are found.

Linda Lachance Wagner called Warwick home, as she had no home of her own. Known to many in the community by face if not by name, she was easily recognizable as she walked endless miles of the city’s streets while carrying the weight of her world in an overstuffed backpack.

Last Saturday, after more than a decade of homeless living, Linda died.

“This story is about a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and about dignity and respect,” said Linda’s daughter, Kim, who along with her family wants her mom’s story told.

Rumors of Linda’s life swirled like wind in an alley. Some had heard she lost family members and fell apart, others had heard she was alone or had drug problems.  But her story was much more complicated.

The 69-year-old’s journey began in Fall River, where she came from a family of six children. According to her daughters, Chrissy and Kim, she had a very timid mother and a father who was physically and verbally abusive. Yet Linda was known as the defiant child who always stood up for and protected her siblings from any wrongdoing.

She attended Catholic schools, but dropped out and went to work at assisted living facilities, helping mentally challenged adults. At age 18, she married her first husband, Raymond, a Navy serviceman who served in Vietnam.

Linda and Raymond had four daughters together as his time in the service was split between home and overseas. While her daughters aren’t exactly sure what initially happened, Linda eventually suffered a sort of breakdown and decided to get up and leave her family. Chrissy, Kim and their sisters were then raised by their father.

“She left when we were all little,” said Kim. “They never really had a relationship as a couple, and then she came back several years later, remarried, and would pop in once in a great while and we saw her very rarely.” 

She remarried a man named Steve, a nice man who also suffered through problems of his own. They had three children together, a girl and two boys.

Once she remarried, her four daughters saw her more. Sometimes she would follow through with family plans, other times she wouldn’t. What was clear to her family early on, however, was that Linda suffered from underlying mental issues.

“She never got diagnosed when she was young, and had she been diagnosed correctly when she was younger, maybe they could have done something, some trial and error with medication,” said Chrissy. “But it was the ’70s and I’m sure my mom was a hippie girl, so that didn’t happen.”

Her daughters say their mom was extremely intelligent, but found it very difficult to fit into society. She was never good with money or planning; she would rack up bills, find herself in a sticky situation, and then just up and move. She was very demanding; clothes had to be from a certain place as she had high standards, and she also had an obsession with body image. 

Throughout the years, Linda held various jobs in Rhode Island and elsewhere. By the 1990s she had found a job with GTECH.

“I called, pretended I was her, got on the phone, did an interview, and got her a job through a temp agency,” said Chrissy. “She always refused assistance and stated that she could work. She always said she could work.”

There, she was happy and did well for quite some time, but eventually things turned again. She would come home from work and state that there were straws coming up through her workstation to spray her with mind controlling chemicals. She stated that’s when the “games” started, and her distrust of the company and government grew.

“She had a battle going on inside her brain,” said Kim. “She heard voices and admitted it to us but nobody else. I walked into my garage one day and I found her just banging her head against the wall, and that’s when it became real for me.”

The family constantly discussed getting her help, but as she wasn’t a threat to herself or others their legal options were very limited. By around the year 2000, things really started to turn downhill for Linda. She lost her job at GTECH, and went on to find other jobs but wouldn’t stay and eventually would walk away again.

“She walked to stay ahead of her brain. She bounced from family member to family member and was not on her own,” said Chrissy. “It would get to a point where ultimatums were given in attempts to get her help, and then she would get up and leave.”

Linda’s independent streak was a strength but also a great detriment towards efforts to help her. The family eventually tried to force her to go for mental evaluations, and she did go, but would provide nothing to health professionals that would indicate she had any problems. She continued to not ask for help, stating she was fine.

“I think the final straw was she went through all of us in the family, and she had just started staying in homeless shelters. She disappeared for several months, we found her, and tried to bring her in for help again,” said Chrissy. “As soon as we got in the car on the highway she realized what was going on and she tried to escape and jump out on the highway.”

From there she disappeared again, only to spend time in various homeless shelters, where she was thrown out for fighting. Linda started to shoplift and got in trouble with the law. She also knew how to navigate through the community, getting haircuts or food and drink from certain establishments or from sympathetic community members who knew parts of her situation.

In an effort to take care of her and do what little Linda allowed, her family purchased a bus pass to get her around and provide a temporary respite from the elements. Her children found that she stayed at a 24-hour laundromat using a card they had purchased for her.

 “We all tried the tough love thing – if you do this then you can come and stay with us again – but it was impossibly hard trying to convince her,” said Chrissy.

They held interventions. They contacted elderly affairs, they tried every possible avenue, but kept hearing there was nothing legally they could do. Every time they heard about a homeless person on the news, they wondered if it was about their mom.

Two weeks ago Saturday, the family got a phone call that Linda had fallen in front of the 7-Eleven store on Warwick Avenue and had suffered a severe laceration on her head.  The 7-Eleven staff, who knew who Linda was, helped, kept her there, and got her the medical attention to arrive before she walked off again as she was trying to do. She was taken to Kent Hospital.

At first, the hospital was going to discharge her after attending to the wound, but, according to Chrissy, Dr. Carolyn Blackman took a special interest and delved deeper, seizing on the opportunity as Linda hardly ever sought medical attention. Eventually, bloodwork and scans found Stage 4 cancer in Linda’s liver and lungs. She was only given a few weeks to live.

It was then that the family again tried to obtain guardianship, established Medicare assistance for her, and found themselves in a whirlwind of paperwork and emotions. The family jumped through multiple hoops and had hospice established while they feared she would walk away again.

 “I just have to walk it off, I just have to walk it off,” Chrissy said her mom stated when learning of the diagnosis. “You don’t have to worry about it, I’m going to be fine, I just have to walk it off.”

But this time, Linda didn’t.

She came to accept her fate and was discharged on June 9 to stay with Chrissy. Even if there was a chance at a recovery, Linda refused additional treatment as her health declined.

On Father’s Day, her grandchildren and family gathered to celebrate one more time. It was one of her last days outside, where she enjoyed one of her last outdoor cigarettes (which she was known for and always had). It was a chance for all to say goodbye.

Though the family thought they would have longer time with her, a few days before her passing, Linda took her last steps. Gone was her 60-pound backpack she always carried, filled with everything she needed for any weather condition along with the books she loved to occupy her time.

In Chrissy’s home and bed, with her now thin body exhausted, Linda passed on with her daughters nearby.

“If you have to go mom, you have to go,” Chrissy last told her mom, who finally listened as she squeezed her daughter’s hand during her last life steps. “I was glad I was there for that, that she wasn’t there alone.”

While funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized, the family would like the community to know about Linda’s life and death. They also want others to know that while Linda walked Warwick’s streets alone, she wasn’t.

“She was loved,” said Chrissy.

Comments

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  • Wendywag428

    Thank you for allowing my moms story to be seen. She wasn't the nasty bag lady some people thought she was.

    She was very loved by her family.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Kammy

    I would drive past her and wonder if she was ok and if she had a family. I am glad to know that she passed away surrounded by her children. It is a story I am happy to read. God Bless

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • 7safford

    Everyone in the community knew your mom. I had heard that she did have a family who loved her but she struggled with mental issues. I'm glad that all the demons in her head have been put to rest. Thank you for sharing your story, I hope your family finds peace.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • L13191319

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I used to see your Mom at Dave's all the time. I always wondered if she had a family and what her story was. I could tell she was fiercely independent. I am sorry for your loss but I am relieved to know your Mom was surrounded by her family that loved her when she passed.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Rawson18

    Thank you for sharing your familys story. Ive seen your Mom Linda around town and always smiled and said hellow ar the store or library. RIP Linda...may you walk miles with the lord my dear. May your family find peace knowing you are walking free again safe in the heavens watching over them.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Reality

    What a touching story......As the saying goes "until you walk in their shoes don't pass judgement."......saw her at Dave's many times and she was always gracious.......the Lord knows she is in a better place.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Patty319

    Thank you for sharing your Mom's story. I would see her all the time on Warwick Ave and outside Dave's. She reminded of my Aunt who suffered from the same illness. I would always give her a few dollars. It is a sad thing when someone is suffering and the laws do not allow you to help them . I really hope your mom's story raises awareness with people. God Bless you and your family.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Esilva

    I am so glad you shared your mom's story. I would see her often and somehow always felt she loved her freedom. RIP Ms. Linda.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Nicolestevens

    I work overnights and on thru. I would see her at my Dunkin and I would sit on the bench with her and just ask her how her day was and have normal conversation with her not lasting more then 10 mins and I would buy two donuts and share one with her. She was a very sweet woman! I have been woundering what had happened because I have not seen her for our Thursday donuts. Her smile was beautiful and it is a very sad loss. My she rest in paradise ❤️

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Justj1969

    I saw your mom frequently and a few times she wasn't very nice to me, which lead me to think something wasn't right as it was unprovoked. I saw her near dunkin donuts in meadow room and bought her a coffee at the drive through.. As I had seen her in Daves Marketplace often with a cup of their coffee. But by the time I got through, she was gone! Thanks for this, And Linda.. Keep walking in heaven, you will be missed.

    Be blessed and at peace, you were loved

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • CC1174

    Thank you so much for sharing this story as beautiful and painful a story as it is. I would always see your mom walking near Pilgrim HS or at the Dave at Hoxie and she was never asking for a hand out but always appreciative when one was offered. Please accept the communities condolences and may she rest in peace and we hope you all find peace as well.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • CherylW

    Thank you Chrissy for sharing this story. So many folks wondered and worried about your Mom. I'm glad we got a closer, kinder glimpse at who she really was and the demons she was dealing with in her own mind.. I'm glad you all got to spend her last days together. Mental illness is probably the most cruel disability I can think k of. Thank you for bringing some awareness to this natiinwide epidemic. So many folks go untreated and are so misunderstood. God bless your family.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • sryelle

    Thank you so much for sharing your mother's story. Best wishes to you and your family.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • bethany127

    I grew up seeing her walk...I learned to drive as she kept walking...I watched in awe and amazement at her ability to survive the weather year after year....She was a staple in the Warwick community....and now she has a name ...I hope you found your peace of mind Linda. And for the family I hope you finally get to sleep in peace knowing she is safe now.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Leebird62

    Thank you for sharing your mother`s story, it is a very powerful story. May she rest in peace. I am very sorry for you loss.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Bird20

    Thank you for sharing your mom's story. I saw her everywhere in all weather. You always wonder about people that you see walking around looking like they are homeless. There were stories going around about your mom, but you never know whats right. You have my condolences at the loss of yoyr mom and I am glad you got to spend her last days with her

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • Portquin

    I met Limda years ago and I considered her a friend. I will miss her and pray for her.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • MissyLavallee

    Chrissy THANK YOU for sharing your mom's story. May she rest in the sweetest peace. I have seen her for years at Dave's most of the time sometimes at Shaw's on Warwick Ave. My heart breaks for your family as I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for you all wanting to get her the help she needed & refused. God Bless you.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • ChristinaTavanian

    Dear Chrissy and Kim,

    I am sorry for your loss.

    I have been talking with your mom for about 8 years or so. When I introduced myself the first time to her, she said 'I will never forget your name. I have a daughter named Chrissy.' And she never did forget it.

    I would always stop and sit with her when I saw her at Dave's, Walgreens or walking. We would discuss the book she was reading, she would tell me about her daughters and how one lived close by and she liked visiting her. I asked her why she was homeless and she told me some of what you mentioned above. I would give her a little money and tell her to promise me that she would buy something good to eat and get herself some water. She'd smile a big smile and tell me she would. She was a very intelligent and kind women and I am glad that I stopped and took the time to know her.

    I want you to know that to me 'she mattered'.

    God Bless you Linda. Rest in Peace my friend.

    Thursday, June 30, 2016 Report this

  • al_guertin

    My condolences to the family. I will miss seeing her walking warwick ave every day or sitting outside of daves with a coffee and a cigarette. For eleven years she would give me the finger as I drove by her at the corner of Bellevue and warwick aves. One day in 2014 I decoded to return the kind gesture and extended my.middle finger back to her.. to my surprise she smiled laughed and gave me a thumbs up... and each time I saw her and was close enough, I would give her the finger amd she would return it with a smile. It became almost a ritual. I'll miss that now... I always suspected she was homeless but certainly didn't want to ask. As I am reading now , any offer of help would have been refused. I'm sure god has embraced her soul and she's probably flipping g the bird to angels as she is walking through heaven as she did her on earth.....

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • ImpulsiveJ

    I had always noticed Linda, as so many did. I always wanted to offer her rides or other help, but people told me she was unpleasant, and advised me against it.

    I was only privileged enough to speak to her once: the night of her head injury at 7/11. I waited with her for the ambulance to arrive. Contrary to what I had been told about her, she was a very nice woman. I'm very sad to hear about her passing, but I'm glad I got to speak to her at least once before she passed into legend.

    Sending all my love and prayers and condolences to her family. I don't believe Linda is lost; I believe she is now liberated. Love and prayers to you all.

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • NascarFan1980

    I didn't know Her very well, but saw Her EVERYWHERE in the Warwick Ave area. Very quiet,never bothered a soul. Just happy She will be able to rest easy now. RIP Linda.

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • Butterflynye1956

    I saw Linda many times at the Speedway on Airport Rd., over the last 2 years. I would always say hello and have her cigarettes ready for her. So glad that she was not alone when she passed. Thoughts and prayers for her family.

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • Karenp

    First my condolenseces to you and your family your mom sounds like a wonderful woman.And you now know God has a good place in heaven for your mom

    Friday, July 1, 2016 Report this

  • Elusive1

    Very sad. R.I.P.

    Saturday, July 2, 2016 Report this

  • Patrick J. Fleming

    Not a day would pass without seeing her walking or sitting in front of Dave's or local stores, I often wondered her story and why her life was spent on the streets. Many times I would give a dollar to her or a cigarette, and go about my day... a couple of months ago she was sleeping outside of Cumberland Farms on Warwick Ave, a police officer was there and being very kind to her as I walked in. The girl working in Cumberland Farms was truly worried about her, her safety. Kudos to those who didn't look down on her, despite her struggles.... rest in peace, Linda. #KeepWalking

    Sunday, July 3, 2016 Report this

  • Tapestry

    Thank you for sharing the story of your mother. I have an aunt with a similar story, and my fear has always been that everyone would think she was not loved. She is loved. We all tried to help, but now she lives as she does, with few and far in between interventions for medical care, food, etc. She has lived her life within 4 square miles of where she was born. Her story will be told one day. Long from now. You were brave to tell your mother's story, but in doing so you told all of us that she mattered in this world. She birthed all of these children who have gone on to live productive lives. You did the best you could do by her. And she knew that. Her sense of independence and freedom was the most important thing to her and you allowed her to maintain that - her own sense of dignity. My condolences...and my encouragement to write her story even more completely - a book, perhaps. Peace to your family.

    Sunday, July 3, 2016 Report this

  • RISchadenfreude

    Her story sounds a lot like my sister- the control issues, body image, running away, etc.- recently she abandoned her children after throwing her husband out. Thanks for sharing her story- this may help my family understand what's happening.

    May your mother finally be at peace.

    Tuesday, July 5, 2016 Report this

  • Andrea2016

    To Linda's family... I am so sorry for your loss!

    The RI Coalition for thr Homeless would like to speak to a family mmember. Could someone please contact Karen Jeffries at 401.721.5685

    Tuesday, August 2, 2016 Report this