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Linda Katana of Eastport died on March 22, 2017, at her home in Eastport. She was 69.
Formerly of Remsenburg, she was an executive with the Elizabeth Arden fragrance and cosmetics company. Survivors said her middle name should have been “generosity,” not Elaine, because she was always ready to help strangers, as well as friends with food, money, and kindness.
An Ohio State University education school graduate, she passed up the “little red schoolhouse” and went to Manhattan where she personally and professionally thrived. She was the daughter of Helen and Eli Katana of Lordstown, Ohio, and her small town upbringing, humor and ideals made her special to colleagues throughout the fragrance industry. During her life she overcame several serious illnesses, including primary pulmonary hypertension and a rare blood infection.
In 1991 Linda met Bernard Shusman, a television news producer-reporter, and three years later they were married by the mayor of Venice, Italy. Ms. Katana’s life was filled with love for her family, her husband, his two children, Michael and Ellen, and the many cats that were adopted, survivors said, describing her as a Renaissance woman. She was a wonderful mate, full of surprises, and a great, innovative cook. She died, survivors said, with a beautiful smile on her face, absorbing the love and companionship of her husband and dear friends, and said her sense of humor and humility were there to the very end.
on Apr 21, 2017