Linda S. Williamson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary for Linda S. Williamson Linda Soucy Williamson, 76, of Brea, CA, passed away peacefully at home with her family on January 26, 2019 after her long battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Linda was born in Tupper Lake, NY on November 22, 1942 to Madeline and Gordon Soucy. She is preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Gordon William Soucy. She attended Holy Ghost Academy from the 1st to 6th grades, Tupper Lake Junior and Senior High Schools (National Honor Society) and Cerritos College where she earned a degree in Medical Assisting. She married Richard Williamson on August 15, 1975 and began the greatest and most rewarding adventure of her life. On July 30, 2006, they had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church and continued the journey in a more love-filled way. She worked as an Office Manager for the Center for Psychotherapy from 2000-2008, as a Medical Assistant for Long Beach Eye Care Associates from 1980-1990 and with Ophthalmologists, Vascular Surgeons and a Hematologist from 1973-1980. After retirement, she volunteered at St. Jude Hospital and continued her work in the medical field and loved her experiences with so many people. She and Rich became involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, continued on as volunteers and developed many friendships with the most wonderful couples in Orange County. She also enjoyed helping with the Bread of Angels ministry at St. Angela Merici. She is survived by her husband, Rich, and their children: Heidi & husband, Gary Kendle; Bob & wife Gayla; Kathy & husband Ron Kuegler; and Jon & wife, Kelley, and their grandchildren: Rachel, Tyler, Jeff, Jessica, Joelle, Kristen, Jimmy, Jaedon, and Kaytie and their great-grandchildren: Carson, Harper and Grayson. The dictionary defines legacy as a gift or bequest, that is handed down from one person to another, it is something transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor. All families have a legacy; a set of beliefs, values, and attitudes that are passed down through the generations. What is the legacy of Linda Williamson? Is it that she loved to be with people and connected with each person in a way that touched their heart and left them smiling? Is it because she never met a stranger or if she did they soon became fast friends? Is it that she was the family historian and resident storyteller who remembered details of everyone’s life? Is it her exuberant, resilient and bubbly spirit? Is it her incredible love for babies and children that compelled her to stop and visit with any baby or small child she saw? Is it the mother who (temporarily) conquered her fear of bugs to encourage her young daughter to “Look at the pretty bug, Heidi!” As a side note, she later called Heidi exclaiming, “Heidi, come get a 6-ft lizard out of my bathroom!” Remember her gift for story-telling? Her loving impact on her grandchildren is best expressed in the notes that they sent to her. Some examples: “Grandma you bring light and love into my life and everyone you encounter. I’ve never met a funnier or more fun-loving person in my life. You are such a wonderful role model. I love you forever.” - Joelle; “I remember Grandma would rub my cheek to go to sleep and say “ma-noosh, ma-noosh”, brush my hair, and then tell stories from when we were little.” - Rachel; "I'm as lucky as can be to have you as my Grandma!" – Jeff; “We love you Grandma because you are the most wonderful Grandma that ever was.” – Jessica For her husband, Linda was the woman who charmed him so. She was a loving, witty, caring and creative lady who continued to thrill him for more than 43 years. There is a quote by Maya Angelou, that Linda thought described her, “I did then what I knew best... when I knew better I did better.” Anyone who knew her would freely, without hesitation say that she always tried to do “the right thing” and she was one of God’s best at loving His people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: (1) The Catholic Worker, Isaiah House, 316 South Cypress, Santa Ana, CA 92701, (2) Bread of Angels, St. Angela Merici Church, 585 S. Walnut Ave., Brea, CA 92921, (3) Smile Train, smiletrain.org, or (4) her son Jon’s Orphanage ministry in Guatemala at www.rayodeesperanza.org (Select, “write a note” to specify in memory of Linda Williamson)

Tributes

Linda S. Williamson

November 22, 1942 - January 26, 2019