Linda D. Gyenfie

Linda Diane (Travis) Gyenfie, our dear sweet loving sister and TeTe we call ”Nana”, was born on November 26, 1953 in Hattiesburg, MS, to Leonard “Lent” and Julia Marie (Ratcliffe) Travis. She passed away on September 4, 2019 in Joliet, IL, following a courageous 25 year battle with cancer; at the age of 65 years old. “Nana” had a 35 year distinguished career with Midwest Generation, formerly known as ComEd in Joliet. She began working for ComEd following specialized training for women entering nontraditional positions in the workforce; and became one of the first women to attain her position at ComEd.  After breaking multiple barriers in a male dominated field. “Nana”, known as “LindaG” by her coworkers, was best known for her spirited honesty, standing her ground and holding her own. She worked in the Human Resources Division at one of the Joliet Stations, providing training and support. Eventually, “Nana” was placed on the work line as an Equipment Operator, where she worked at both Joliet Station 9 and  Joliet Station 29. “Nana retired in 2015.

“Nana” absolutely loved her family! She spent her entire life providing love, care, counsel, friendship and parenting to her siblings, nieces and nephews; as well as their children. “Nana” enjoyed bowling, traveling, talking, and just spending time with friends. She was an avid reader, sometimes averaging one novel daily. “Nana” was a gifted artist! She enjoyed freehand sketching, as well as painting with oil and water colors, as well as charcoal art.

Nana was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Lynette Robinson; and her parents, Leonard “Lent” and Marie Travis. She is survived by 4 siblings; Judy (Robert “Rob”) Jenkins, Sr., Acworth, GA;  Gerry Travis, Norfolk, VA; Rev. Anthony “Tony” (Linda) Travis, Irvine, CA; and Melissa (Toby, Sr.) Reddick, Riverside, CA.

As a matriarch of the family, “Nana” is deeply loved and cherished by surviving nieces and nephews she parented and deeply loved as her own. She welcomed each of them into her life in the following order: Tenisha Holt (Jonathan), Westchester, IL; Brandi Holloway, Dallas, GA; Julia Fox (Corey), Irvine, CA; Jillian Morris-Jenkins, Pasadena, CA; Anthony Jr (Michelle) Travis, West Covina, CA; Toby (Nicole) Reddick Jr. and Crystal Reddick, Riverside, CA; Kyle Travis, Irvine, CA; Robert “Robby” Jenkins, Jr. (Tiffany), Ventura CA; Rena Reddick, Riverside, CA; Christopher (Christina) Travis, Irvine, CA; Dominique Banks, Fullerton, CA; Kelly Failds and Denzel Failds, Las Vegas, NV; Karly Failds, West Palm Beach, FL; Deric Collins, Jr., Westchester, IL; Javonte Young, Atlanta, GA; Javion Young, Westchester, IL; Elijah Reddick, Riverside, CA; Kylie Canady, Irvine, CA; Faith Travis and Joliet “Jollie” Travis, West Covina, CA; Tobiah Reddick, Xavion Chagolla, and Judah Reddick, Riverside, CA; Katrell May, Irvine, CA; Arianna Bellino, Westchester, IL; Layla Travis, West Covina, CA; Lanie McCoy, Dallas, GA; Cameron Bellino, Westchester, IL; Dwyane Chagolla, Riverside, CA; Xion Failds, Las Vegas, NV; Jayden Chagolla, Riverside, CA; Jayia Holt, Westchester, IL; Alexandria Chagolla, Riverside, CA; Lola Fox, Irvine, CA; Halo Losander, Las Vegas, NV;  Rainbow Fox, Irvine, CA; and Micah Reddick, Riverside, CA.

Special acknowledgments to Debra Martin, “Nana’s” caregiver, whom “Nana” loved like a daughter; she always referred to Debra as “my girl!” The love “Nana” had for Debra was mutual, which was obvious, as Debra cared for our “Nana” as if she was her own Mom!  Jesse Gamboa, “Nana’s” supportive companion, stayed with her through challenging chemotherapy treatments and the aftermath. Jesse took great care of “Nana”, always responding to her calls for assistance without fail! Amanda Pena, “Nana’s” friend and neighbor, shared many days together, along with her beautiful children who gave “Nana” much joy, love and laughs! Charlotte Ferguson, “Nana’s” longtime friend for over 57 years, shared many childhood and adult endeavors; she brought much joy into “Nana’s” life;  and “Nana’s” other longtime bestie, Ruby Fowler, who worked with “Nana” during her early years with ComEd. “Nana” and Ruby shared a very special bond because of the challenges they endured while at ComEd. Additional acknowledgments go out to the following friends and family that spent many days and nights with “Nana” providing care, comfort, friendship and companionship: Patrick Edmon, Tenisha Holloway, Deric Collins Jr., and her siblings.

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