Dear Linda Kaye,

We miss you here on Earth, very much,  as you were the linchpin in our family circle. Every family gathering we say The Lord's Prayer(your favorite scripture) in your memory.

Please send us a butterfly ( your favorite insect) sign from Heaven.

We  will always hold precious memories of beautiful You in our 
collective hearts.

Lovingly,
Your Sister,
Shirley Ann

Ms. Townsend touched my life in an indescribable way. She was such an important figure to me for the short time that I knew her, and I truly cherish the lessons I got to experience under her mentorship. I can fondly recall her reading to me poems that she wrote, or her encouragement that helped me believe in myself as a young girl in high school. 

Before her passing, she reached out to me looking for an update on how college was treating me, and the last thing she wrote was that she hoped she would be able to get an update every few months. It pains me to know that I won’t be able to grant that request anymore. 

I still haven’t adjusted to her passing, but I know that her inspiration and memory are what I will carry with me for life. May she rest in paradise forever. 

Linda Townsend reminds me of that warm Summer breeze that blankets you when you step off a plane in Hawaii on a Winter Holiday. 

She will be missed by our Middle College faculty for her lively conversations, witty jokes, and worldly-wise comments that set the atmosphere in the faculty room at 'light and relaxed'. 
 
Most of all, Ms. Townsend will be missed for the invaluable services she provided to the MCHS students, especially the seniors, who needed her help for that extra edge with their college applications, resume's , and undoubtedly the  interview etiquettes which they sadly lacked. She did not ask for much but an appreciation and gratitude in return for what she gave.

It has been a privilege to have known Linda Townsend, and we are proud that she was part of our MCHS community. 

May her soul rest in peace and happiness for ever.

Mary L. Bhambra 

Linda Kaye Richardson Townsend was an incredibly considerate and positive person. 

Although very busy with her many volunteer student educational projects as well as community based and church social justice activities,  Linda still made time to send lovely note cards of encouragement to family, friends and students. Even the stamp she placed on the envelope was one of inspiration.

Linda always enclosed a personal note in her lovely penmanship.  This thoughtful act of kindness had a remarkable positive impact on One's actions.

There were myriad, generous courtesies of this nature ; whether buying breakfast for a homeless person,  giving a gift card to a single parent  at the holidays or purchasing large print books for an elder at an Oakland nursing facility,  Linda  demonstrated that she was  an extraordinary human being.

Linda Kaye Richardson Townsend's  earthly life may have ended on July 30th, but her Story Is Not Over...  The memories that she created by her marvelous actions will forever be recounted by those she influenced and inspired!

































My sincere condolences to  Linda Townsend family and friends.  I first met Linda add the opening day of the  new San Pablo Library when  she asked me to join the Friends  group.  I learned a lot  from Linda about the library in the community.  Linda  enjoy  telling  me about her students at Middle College in their successes, she’s very proud of her students.  I enjoy my time volunteering at the library and working with Linda .
 Rest In Peace,  Ms Linda

Sincerely,
LaTonia Johnson 

My deepest condolences to Linda's family and friends.  She was a caring woman and helped so many, particularly the students at Middle College.

I met Linda a few years ago at the San Pablo Library and remember the many conversations we had getting books ready to move to the new libary.  We continued those conversations at the new library, as we sorted and shelved donated books.  I'm sadden by her death and will miss her.

May she Rest in Paradise,

Pat Cruise

My dear friend Linda will be sorely missed by so many people.  Honestly, it never really occurred to me that one day she would be gone and that her absence would leave such a hurting in my heart, and to her, I was always "Irma Ree".
I first met Linda when we were part of a small handful of young, black, women students attending Mills College in Oakland.  A bonding and friendship was born that lasted for almost 50 years. We met Daryl when we all worked together at Pacific Bell, and it was there that the tight friendship began. 
Through all of our summer picnics, weekend trips, parties, wine tastings, ballets, concerts, and theater outings we were first and foremost always close and caring friends.
Linda was with me and supported me during some difficult times. She was friends with my family and always showed concern and affection for my now deceased parents that she warmly referred to as Mom and Dad.
It will take me a while to adjust to her passing, but I know we will all see her again.  
My love and condolences to her family.

Over the 42+ years that I have known Linda, we created so many wonderful memories together. I first met Linda in 1979 when I was first hired with Pacific Telephone. We were Service Reps together and thus began our life-long friendship. We started hanging out after work, going to happy hours and parties together. We traveled together with our mutual friend Irma, appreciated cultural events together, especially dance and ballet, shared many meals, special occasions, and times to just connect.  No matter how long of a time it had been since we had seen each other, we just picked up right where we left off like it was just yesterday. I will miss that. I still can’t believe that she is no longer with us.  I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit with her briefly while she was in rehab in Berkeley and was able to give her a hug of comfort and love. Little did I know that would be the last time that I would see her.

Linda was family. She has met my parents, my partners and friends always looking out for me to make sure they had my best interests. She often lovingly called me her “brother” and I called her “Miss Kaye”.  Linda was thoughtful, honest, loyal, smart, and committed to making the world a better place. I always appreciated your sharing of messages and words of inspiration and motivation and in later years, her connection to God. My prayer is that she is now resting in peace and in the arms of God and his angels. My heartfelt sympathies to her family and the many friends that she touched. I will miss you my “Virgo sister”, always remembering that her birthday, September 19 was the day after mine. I look forward to celebrating her life and will always have a fond place in my heart for “Miss Kaye”.  R.I.P. Linda. 


OBITUARY

Linda Kaye Townsend

September 19, 1948 – July 30, 2021

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