The Texas credit union communityis mourning and remembering Linda Winkfein, a longtime executive ofthe Cornerstone Credit Union League in Dallas and a 19-yearemployee of the $47 million Dallas Credit Union.

Winkfein, 66, died Feb. 17 after suffering a heart attack,according to a CCUL prepared statement. Memorial services were heldThursday at the First Baptist Church of Forney.

“Many of us have known Linda for a long time and had thepleasure to work alongside her and share in her passion for lifeand for the credit union movement,” said Dick Ensweiler,president/CEO of CCUL. “We will miss her dearly.”

Winkfein worked 16 years at CCUL, formerly the Texas Credit Union League until last year, holding variouspositions of increasing responsibility, including vice president ofsmall credit union development – a position she held since 2010.She was a certified credit union executive.

Prior to joining CCUL, Winkfein served on its board ofdirectors. She was first elected in 1991 while she was working atDallas CU. She served on CCUL's board for seven years.

“Linda was on the board when I came to the League; in fact, shewas on the CEO Selection Committee,” recalls Ensweiler. “Linda wasalways dedicated, positive, and looking to the future.”

Winkfein began working for Dallas CU in1979 and left thecooperative in1998 as an executive vice president.

“Linda has had such a strong influence on me. She was anexceptional leader, mentor and credit union advocate,” said Dee A.Pennington, president/CEO of Dallas CU. “She cared deeply about thesuccess of our members, the credit union and the movement. Shewasn't just an employee. She was my friend.”

During her tenure at Dallas CU, Winkfein was active in theDallas Chapter of Credit Unions and served as its president in1989.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be madeto CornerstoneCredit Union Foundation.