The Texas credit union community is mourning and remembering Linda Winkfein, a longtime executive of the Cornerstone Credit Union League in Dallas and a 19-year employee 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 held Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Forney.

“Many of us have known Linda for a long time and had the pleasure to work alongside her and share in her passion for life and 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 various positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president of small 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 of directors. She was first elected in 1991 while she was working at Dallas CU. She served on CCUL's board for seven years.

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

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

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

During her tenure at Dallas CU, Winkfein was active in the Dallas Chapter of Credit Unions and served as its president in 1989.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation.