Linda Henry Derrig

She was a sweet and kind soul.

Linda was born on January 8th, 1955, in Bremerton where she attended Naval Ave Elementary, Star of the Sea School and West Bremerton High School. At West, she was active in the music department as pianist for the choir, chorus member in the musical, "Pajama Game," and captain of the drill team. An excellent student, she graduated summa cum laude in 1977 from Seattle University with a degree in Education. She enjoyed playing piano in the SU choir and made lifelong friends performing and traveling with that group.

She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Derrig, in 1978, and they made their first home in Bremerton before moving to Silverdale in 1987. Linda and Jim raised their two children, Steve and Katie, in Silverdale and were married for 45 wonderful years.

Linda started her 31 year teaching career with the Central Kitsap Schools in 1977. She began teaching 3rd grade at Esquire Hills Elementary and taught various grade levels at many different schools. Linda was a tough teacher and expected a lot from her students, but she made learning interesting and fun; she loved all of her students, and they loved her.

Growing up, Linda enjoyed camping anywhere but especially loved going to the Washington coast to breathe the ocean air, walk on the beach, and listen to the surf. She also enjoyed swimming, water-skiing and fishing at the family property on Haven Lake. Linda loved to snow ski especially during the annual family ski trip to Whistler, BC.

After retirement, she continued to enjoy camping, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, reading voraciously, participating in book clubs, and cuddling with her long-haired dachshund, Maddy. She also loved spending time at the family cabin and exploring Saturday morning garage sales where she would find kids games and additions to her collection of antique plates and cups. Her greatest joy was spending time with her son and daughter and just being a loving Nana to her five grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jim, son, Steve (Mandy) Derrig of Poulsbo, daughter Katie (Seth) Dougherty of Silverdale, and her grandchildren, Callie, Amelia, Odell, Maeve, and Hazel and her brother Mike of Redmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Henry.

Linda's family and friends will miss her terribly, but we must all take comfort in knowing that she is now comfortable and pain free with Jesus in Paradise.

A scholarship in Linda's memory is being established.