Linda Joyce Halunen passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at her home in San Anselmo California. Linda was born in Virginia Minnesota on December 21, 1957.

The family moved to Livermore, California in 1963 where Linda attended Fifth Street Elementary School, East Avenue Middle School and graduated from Livermore High School in 1976. She then earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Chico State University in 1981. Linda went on to become an entrepreneur and among her ventures she was instrumental in developing a company called "Girl Tech" which produced toys and computer games for girls at a time when all the electronic games were designed for boys. She was a very creative, energetic, fun person with a wonderful sense of humor. She made and kept many friends who will all miss her bad puns, her ability to tell jokes and her endless curiosity. Her passion was her relationships with all of the people she loved. Her joy made the world a better place, especially the moments we shared with her.

Linda loved adventure and in her short life she had already visited Australia, China, Brazil, Argentina, Europe, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean currently planning yet another trip.

Linda is survived by her parents, Hartley and Lois Halunen and sister Laura Halunen-Thournir, all of Livermore; her brother Roger Halunen of San Anselmo, and two nephews, Tyler Thournir and Thomas Thournir whom she adored. The feeling was mutual as noted in every family gathering when the three of them would be huddled together having an animated conversation, enjoying themselves immensely. She also leaves behind a wealth of friends, as well as Aunts, Uncles and cousins in California, Oregon and Minnesota. Her passing is also a huge loss to her dear partner Michelle Miller of Corte Madera who was a wonderful soul mate for Linda and who will always have a special place in our family. We grieve the loss of our darling Linda who left us far too soon.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 2 at 1:30 pm at Redwoods Presbyterian Church 110 Magnolia Ave in Larkspur, Ca. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to your favorite charity in Linda's name.