Obituary: Willard, Linda

WILLARD,
Linda
(Age 55)

Passed away at Deaconess Medical Center on January 27, 2012, after a short illness.

In her final days, she was attended by her beloved partner of 28 years, Wendy Cowden, and her sister, Connie DeBurger of Osgood, Indiana.

Born in Tonasket, WA., Linda lived most of her adult life in Reardan and Spokane.

She received a degree in respiratory therapy from Spokane Community College and was a respiratory therapist at Holy Family Hospital and Valley Hospital until she retired 10 years ago.

Challenged by an assortment of illnesses since childhood, she never let any impairment stop her from leading a full and rewarding life.

Although dealing with handicaps that limited her mobility, she took continuing education classes, went to concerts, cooked for friends and neighbors, enjoyed board games, fishing, exercising in the warm-water pool at the YMCA, flying kites and anything else that looked like it would be fun.

Those who knew her well remember the fine meals she prepared for them and recall her stories of how she learned to cook from her father.

She was preceded in death by her parents Loretta and Mark Willard and brother Mark; and is survived by partner Wendy Cowden, sister Connie DeBurger, a niece and nephew and two great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 30, at 14718 E. 32nd Avenue, Spokane Valley.

The family suggests that memorial gifts may be made in Linda’s name to the Inland Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 818 E. Sharp Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/WAI/index.aspx