Tupelo – Linda Ellen Whisenhunt Lebel, 65, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at her home. She was born to Elton and Marguerite Whisenhunt, on Tuesday, January 24, 1961. She courageously battled a recent heart condition while staying at a local rehabilitation facility, always hoping to return home. Before her passing, Linda was able to return to her lifelong home at 420 Robins Street, the cherished home once belonging to her grandparents, in Tupelo. With the loving care and support of her devoted soulmate, Gaetan, she found her final peace surrounded by familiarity and love.

One of Linda’s fondest memories was spending time alongside her mother, Marguerite Whisenhunt, in her grandmother’s award-winning garden, a place that brought her great joy and peace. Linda spent her early childhood in Memphis before returning to Tupelo as a teenager, following the death of her grandfather. She graduated from Tupelo High School in 1979. Linda also treasured her travels to Ireland, where she visited Dublin, Waterford, Cork, and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. It was there, overlooking the majestic cliffs and the endless ocean below, that her beloved soulmate, Gaetan, proposed to her during the summer solstice on June 21, 2001. Together they watched the sunset arm in arm surrounded by the distant sounds of tribal drums, a moment Linda always considered truly magical. She also had a deep love for exploring the outdoors, especially waterways where she delighted in searching for smooth and unique rocks to add to her treasured collection. Linda had an extraordinary compassion for animals and a tender heart for any creature in need. She loved and cared deeply for animals of every kind and always wanted to help and protect them whenever she could. Linda lovingly considered her pets to be her children.

Linda is survived by Gaetan Lebel, her soulmate, and her sister, Carol Molder. Even though Linda has no biological children, she leaves her most beloved childhood friends, Pam Bobbitt and Teresa Owens. They always felt just like family to Linda.

She is preceded into Heaven by her grandparents, Stark and Lois Weatherall; parents, Elton and Marguerite Whisenhunt; and one brother, Tom Whisenhunt. She was also preceded in death by her beloved canine companions, Taylor, Zach, Maggie, and Samwise, as well as her cherished feline companions, Tessie, Edgar, and Bella Boo Boo. Each one held a special place in Linda’s heart, and her family finds comfort in imagining the joyful reunion she is now sharing with them in Heaven. Before leaving this world, Linda told Gaetan that their next dog should be named Duncan. Now, Gaetan must one day find, and raise that special dog and carry out her final wish by naming him Duncan.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. at Linda’s gravesite at Tupelo Memorial Park with Bro. Jay Stanley officiating and Tim Prewitt singing a couple of songs. In the event of inclement weather, the service will take place at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors.

Pallbearers will be, Charles Lebel, Michel Lebel, Aiden Lebel, Eric Lowe, Matt Kimbrough, Brad Lanphere, Kerr Jones, and Clay Cody.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.