Linda Matson

Linda Gagnon Matson was born to Leo J. Gagnon, Jr. and Alice Murphy Gagnon on March 26, 1952. She was one of four daughters. Her dad was an Air Force pilot. Her family traveled the world, living in Japan, Washington, OK and many other places. In June of 1967 the family was transferred to Washington DC so her father could work at the Pentagon. In Washington DC is where Linda first met Bill in high school. In December, 1967 they began dating and their journey began over 49 YEARS ago!!!! On June 5, 1971 she married Bill at Andrews Air Force Base. In 1972 they decided to move to Arizona where she have lived since.

They have four children & 10 grandchildren

• Son- Robert and wife Jamie, and their two sons Robert and William

• Daughter, Kimberly and her husband Chris and their four children, Hayden, Cole, Luke and Presley

• Son - Stephen and his wife Bridgett and daughters Chloey and Marley and Baby boy Matson soon to be arrive in April

• Son - Michael and his wife, Dawn, and their two children -Landen and Ava.

She started her career working at the Juvenile Detention Center in 1972 where she met Judy Steuck and have remained best friends ever since. She continued her career at ASU athletic department where she worked 15 years.

Over the years Linda loved her family, she was a friend to everyone, she was the “Bingo Queen,” but most of all she cherished her husband Bill.

They spent their time involved with all of her children and attending all their activities - football, car racing, dance, baseball and much more. She was also very involved with her grandchildren attending as many of their activities as she could.

She was very proud of all her children graduating from ASU and moving forward with their lives.

Over the years, she always loved Pinetop, Arizona and she built her dream cabin where she would spend summers having fun with her friends Patty, Kathy and Judy.

Two years ago, she was diagnosed with ALS and fought a courageous battle which ultimately took her life. However she would not let ALS get her down. She lived life to the fullest…she loved the beach and spent a week right on the beach walking in the sand and watching the sunsets with her best friends. She also spent time at the cabin with her sisters. She always devoted as much time as she could to her children and grandchildren.

Although her most sacred relationship was that relationship with Bill, one that she cultivated for 50 years.