Linda Gail Williams

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Linda Gail Williams. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Linda was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Linda was born at Group Health Hospital in Seattle, Washington. She was the daughter of Earl and Bertha Freeburn. Linda was raised in Seattle, Washington. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Linda was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Linda's personality throughout her life.

Though Linda was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Linda was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Linda worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Linda was raised with two siblings. She had an older sister, Earla and older brother, Lawrence. Linda and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Linda was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Linda was always tactful. One thing Linda will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Linda had a number of interests and was an active child. She was a Campfire Girl.

For Linda, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Linda was also adept at details. Linda was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Glacier High School in 1968. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was art and later graduated from beauty college

There was one thing that all of Linda's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Linda was such a popular person throughout her life. But Linda was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Linda was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Linda was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Linda was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Linda was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Linda made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Colleen Malone, Polly Proszek and CeCe Heider. Later in life, she became friends with Kitty, Lynn, Linda B, Darlene, Rita and Peggy.

Linda was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Linda cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On July 24, 1995 Linda married Jeff Williams at Community Chapel in Reno, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted, Linda worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Linda and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Linda was blessed with two children, two daughters, Julie and Nicole. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Malinda, Lee, Mari, Lincoln and Lucas. Linda was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Linda was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Linda would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Linda, and she expected the same from those around her. Linda was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Linda was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Linda handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a cashier and a teacher's aide. She was employed for 16 years at the Magnolia Thriftway. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Linda enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were arts and crafts, gardening, playing cards, attending concerts, board games and spending quality time with her daughters, grandchildren and family.

Linda was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Linda was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included golf and fishing. Linda also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football, baseball and basketball.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Linda to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Linda did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Linda was a member of the Girls Club, Pep Club and DECA.

Linda was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Politically, Linda was a staunch Democrat.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Linda well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Linda accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Linda was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Room Mother of the Year and Employee of the Month.

Not only did Linda enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included camping anywhere with family and going to Canada.

Linda was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Willie, a German Sheperd, who was a best friend for 8 1/2 years. There was also Chip and Katie. Her family was rounded out by numerous cats and dogs.

Linda passed away on February 6, 2012 at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington from a sudden brain aneurysm. She is survived by husband, Jeff; mother, Bertha; daughters, Julie and Nicole; siblings Earla and Lawrence and grandchildren Malinda, Lee, Mari, Lincoln and Lucas. Services were held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Linda was laid to rest in Washington Memorial Park.

Linda was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Linda was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Linda Gail Williams.