Remembering all the good times with Linda. Joyous laughter, her love of old movies, especially musicals), her wonderful writing, love of Stephen Sondheim, world traveler, care for animals, disdain for division (the mathematical kind as well as the political) and above all, her zest for life. Her memory will be a blessing.
The following was forwarded to me from John Wilheim from the Class of '71.
Linda was like a second sister to me. She appeared in the Shoreline office one day when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore. We quickly became friends and we remained in touch right up until she died. As I type this, a large greeting card, with Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer's apprentice, is on a shelf about 5 feet away. Linda sent it to me more than 50 years ago. I will miss her very, very much.
More than 50 years separate the last meaningful time I sat with Linda. She and other Shoreline staff, Tom Field and I from the Yearbook spent many quiet moments reflecting about our time and advisors. The years did not erase the power of our understated friendship or the quiet way she accepted others. The few times we spoke, through Facebook birthday greetings, it was always the same. As if an old friend was there to comfort you and assure you that you and life matter. Linda may you rest in peace. Your gifts to others, your kind soul will serve as a blessing and memory for all that were fortunate to count you as a friend. My heart aches.
Oh "gurk", an expression we shared when others might have used an expletive. I have years of text message exchanges with you, dearest Linda, on my iPhone including this one from you: "Bestbestbestbest message! Does this qualify as a butt dial? I'm not sure what's happening, but I'll start paying more attention. Are you well? Happy? I gurking miss you!" And so, my dearest, precious, adorable friend, I will gurking miss you all the rest of my days. You were hilariously funny, completely delightful, deeply compassionate and an incredibly gifted communicator. We met as Shoreline workers, although my job was decidedly lowbrow (assistant advertising manager and later advertising manager after Bob Ex graduated) compared to yours as a star editor and reporter. Bob Ex and I had a knack for plastering the paper with a lot of advertising content, necessitating more and more copy from you and your editor/reporter colleagues. Nonetheless, you not only put up with me, you were an endlessly sweet, kind, generous and loving friend for more than five decades. Your sudden departure broke many hearts, including mine. Until we meet again, you will be forever in my heart.
Linda was one of my all-time favorite people. Anyone that knew her could expect a beautiful smile, warm greeting and positive energy. Linda and I were quite friendly growing up, but over the years we didn’t see each other much - reunions, occasionally a party, etc. But whenever we saw each other, the same feelings I had for Linda always surfaced - what a wonderful, lovely person she is.
My sister Barbara had a syndicated national radio show about 12 years ago, and featured people who did interesting, unique things. She interviewed the bass player of Bad Company (who became a private chef), Judy Collins, a Hollywood stuntman, tennis great Pam Shriver, Navy Seal Chris Kyle., and many others. When Barb asked me who I thought was doing something interesting and was articulate, I thought immediately of Linda. Linda was both a freelance writer, but also the founder of PastForward Living Histories, which documented family and business history. This interview took place sometime around 2013 and you can hear her at the 27 minute mark: https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/107788?m=false
I will really miss our sweet Linda. When I think of her, I am reminded of the importance of being kind, respectful and considerate of others, which is how I will always remember her. May she rest in peace.
For a brief period of time in high school Linda and I made some extra cash helping out at some HP dinner parties. I distinctly remember one party where we had an intense discussion of what migh be in our futures (as we cleaned and dried wine glasses til spotless as per the specific request of the hostess). Linda knew my science interests and wanted me to work on a cure for diabetes, and I wanted her to send me her famous writings including, hopefully, an interview with Gene Kelly. Linda was a great companion at these parties when we had some time to ourselves. It helped me more than she knew as I was such a painful introvert. I so regret not staying in touch with her (and with you too Sally!). And as Sally said, was great to hear her voice and her thoughts in that interview. May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear about Linda's death. We were not close, but I kept up with her on Facebook after having a wonderful conversation with her at a reunion years ago. I admired her very much. My condolences to her family and friends.
Sally Mandler
Remembering all the good times with Linda. Joyous laughter, her love of old movies, especially musicals), her wonderful writing, love of Stephen Sondheim, world traveler, care for animals, disdain for division (the mathematical kind as well as the political) and above all, her zest for life. Her memory will be a blessing.
Vikki Coleman (Wolin)
Ken Newbury (Newbury)
More than 50 years separate the last meaningful time I sat with Linda. She and other Shoreline staff, Tom Field and I from the Yearbook spent many quiet moments reflecting about our time and advisors. The years did not erase the power of our understated friendship or the quiet way she accepted others. The few times we spoke, through Facebook birthday greetings, it was always the same. As if an old friend was there to comfort you and assure you that you and life matter. Linda may you rest in peace. Your gifts to others, your kind soul will serve as a blessing and memory for all that were fortunate to count you as a friend. My heart aches.
Robert Cole
Oh "gurk", an expression we shared when others might have used an expletive. I have years of text message exchanges with you, dearest Linda, on my iPhone including this one from you: "Bestbestbestbest message! Does this qualify as a butt dial? I'm not sure what's happening, but I'll start paying more attention. Are you well? Happy? I gurking miss you!" And so, my dearest, precious, adorable friend, I will gurking miss you all the rest of my days. You were hilariously funny, completely delightful, deeply compassionate and an incredibly gifted communicator. We met as Shoreline workers, although my job was decidedly lowbrow (assistant advertising manager and later advertising manager after Bob Ex graduated) compared to yours as a star editor and reporter. Bob Ex and I had a knack for plastering the paper with a lot of advertising content, necessitating more and more copy from you and your editor/reporter colleagues. Nonetheless, you not only put up with me, you were an endlessly sweet, kind, generous and loving friend for more than five decades. Your sudden departure broke many hearts, including mine. Until we meet again, you will be forever in my heart.
Joellen Silberman
Linda had a smile that could light up a room, and compassion as deep as the sea. She lived fully, and was taken too soon.Larry Israel
Linda was one of my all-time favorite people. Anyone that knew her could expect a beautiful smile, warm greeting and positive energy. Linda and I were quite friendly growing up, but over the years we didn’t see each other much - reunions, occasionally a party, etc. But whenever we saw each other, the same feelings I had for Linda always surfaced - what a wonderful, lovely person she is.
My sister Barbara had a syndicated national radio show about 12 years ago, and featured people who did interesting, unique things. She interviewed the bass player of Bad Company (who became a private chef), Judy Collins, a Hollywood stuntman, tennis great Pam Shriver, Navy Seal Chris Kyle., and many others. When Barb asked me who I thought was doing something interesting and was articulate, I thought immediately of Linda. Linda was both a freelance writer, but also the founder of PastForward Living Histories, which documented family and business history. This interview took place sometime around 2013 and you can hear her at the 27 minute mark: https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/107788?m=false
I will really miss our sweet Linda. When I think of her, I am reminded of the importance of being kind, respectful and considerate of others, which is how I will always remember her. May she rest in peace.
Sally Mandler
Thank you, Larry, for posting the interview your sister did with Linda. It was so good to hear her voice again!
Jean Gnaedinger (Noronha)
For a brief period of time in high school Linda and I made some extra cash helping out at some HP dinner parties. I distinctly remember one party where we had an intense discussion of what migh be in our futures (as we cleaned and dried wine glasses til spotless as per the specific request of the hostess). Linda knew my science interests and wanted me to work on a cure for diabetes, and I wanted her to send me her famous writings including, hopefully, an interview with Gene Kelly. Linda was a great companion at these parties when we had some time to ourselves. It helped me more than she knew as I was such a painful introvert. I so regret not staying in touch with her (and with you too Sally!). And as Sally said, was great to hear her voice and her thoughts in that interview. May she rest in peace.
Deborah Krupp (Ketai)
I am so sorry to hear about Linda's death. We were not close, but I kept up with her on Facebook after having a wonderful conversation with her at a reunion years ago. I admired her very much. My condolences to her family and friends.