Linda BOYD Obituary
November 25, 1942 - November 9, 2022
Linda Jane Boyd, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2022, in Spokane, WA, at the age of 79. Linda was born on November 25, 1942, in Burlington, VT, to Dr. Nicholas and Barbara Jane (Prentiss) Bottiglieri. She was the middle of three daughters and grew up in a military family, moving frequently (Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, and Okinawa) developing a skill for making others feel welcomed and accepted in new situations.
In 1965, Linda married Lt. Jerry K Boyd, at Edgewood Arsenal, MD, and finally settled on the South Hill of Spokane, WA in 1971. Linda was a committed wife, mother, and Nana to her children and grandchildren. She opened her heart and home to exchange students from Spain, who became her bonus kids.
Throughout her life as a magnificent homemaker, Linda exemplified the virtues of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. She had a feisty, yet gentle and caring soul, making everyone around her feel included, accepted, and valued. Linda's faith played a central role in her life, guiding her interactions with others and shaping her quiet acts of service. She lived her life as a devoted follower of Christ, treating others with respect and never compromising anyone's dignity.
Linda had a natural ability to forge deep and lasting friendships. She nurtured these relationships over the years, resulting in lifelong bonds that became an extension of her own family. During her many volunteer activities, Linda's genuine warmth and welcoming nature allowed her to make an impact. When faced with adversity she focused on uplifting and supporting those around her with unwavering strength and fortitude.
With a heart as abundant as her huckleberry pie-baking skills, Linda possessed an undeniable magnetism. Her genuine kindness and open nature drew people in like moths to a porch light. Linda's laughter was contagious, and her friendships were as solid as a well-played game of bridge. She was an avid and skilled contract bridge player, finding joy and camaraderie in the game. In her later years, Linda also enjoyed mahjong, further expanding her circle and forming new treasured bonds.
Summers at their cabin on Rockford Bay, Coeur d'Alene Lake, ID, were nothing short of legendary. Linda, her cherished neighbors, and friends would relish in the beauty of the great outdoors. Memories were made that will be retold with laughter and embellished with each passing year.
In addition to her husband of 57 years, Jerry, Linda is survived by her son, Matt Boyd, and his children Andrew, Alexander, Elise, and daughter Nicole Boyd, all residents of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her son Charles Francis Boyd, of Spokane, WA, and Juan and Adriana Moscoso del Prado of Madrid, Spain. Linda is further survived by her sisters, Mary Anne (Brian) McDowell of Boise, ID, and Joanna Prentiss of FL, and her nieces and nephews.
Linda's life will be honored with a rosary on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 7 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 34th and Perry in Spokane. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 20th, at 1 pm, also at Our Lady of Fatima. Following the mass, a reception celebrating Linda's life will take place at the nearby Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the parking entrance is at 30th and Pittsburgh. Our gratitude is shared with cousins Ron and Chris Buchanan and our church neighbors for accommodating our needs while the parish hall is being refurbished. Interment will be held on Friday, July 21st, at 11 am in the Garden of St. Francis at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane. Please consider wearing any shade of blue, her favorite color, when joining us to honor her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arc of Spokane, an organization that has served Linda's son Charlie throughout his life. These donations will continue to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities, their work was close to Linda's heart. Her family expresses their appreciation for all of the support from friends, neighbors, and extended family.
Let us remember the mischievous twinkle in her eye, the warmth of her embrace, and the unforgettable legacy of unconditional love she leaves behind. Jerry, Matt, Nicole, Charlie, Andy, Alex, and Ellie will miss her hugs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Spokesman-Review on Jul. 16, 2023.