Obituary of Linda Elaine Erwood

Linda Elaine Erwood passed away at home on Saturday surrounded by family and friends. She fought her cancer with grace and humanity, courage and dignity, all qualities with which she also lived her life. She touched many lives with her exuberant spirit and unwavering loyalty. She was born in Glendale, CA to Frank and Ruth Erwood and spent her youth in Southern California before heading up North to go to school. She received her Bachelor of Science from San Jose State University and made Scotts Valley her home. Linda began her distinguished career as a teacher at Holy Cross School. She quickly found her calling when she joined the Santa Cruz County Probation Department in 1963, working as a group supervisor at Juvenile Hall. By 1984, she had worked her way up to the top and became the third woman in the state to be named Chief Probation Officer. She was also the third woman in the county to be named a department head. A veteran in juvenile justice, Linda was also appointed to serve on several statewide panels, including the Board of Corrections and the California Criminal Justice Council. In 1992, the Santa Cruz County Criminal Justice Council honored Linda with a career achievement award. Linda retired in 1996 after thirty-three years of dedicated service to the department where she continued the legacy of calm, capable and conscientious leadership. After retirement, she found her passion for golf and excelled just as she did in her career. On numerous occasions she achieved the coveted hole-in-one. She was a member of two golf clubs; Valley Gardens Ladies Golf Club and DeLaveaga Nifty Niners. She loved her weekly rounds and cherished her time with friends. Another highlight of her life was the extensive travel she shared with her friends and especially her partner, Evalyn. She loved spending time with her family to include camping, sporting events, and movies. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Ruth Erwood. She is survived by the love of her life of thirty one years, Evalyn Hunter of Scotts Valley, CA; her daughters Bonnie Hunter of Los Gatos, CA, Patty Santa Elena and her husband Rod of Modesto, CA, and Kathy Hunter and her husband Robbie of Campbell, CA; her grandchildren Evan and Sara Santa Elena; her sister Marilyn Sparks; her nephew Scott Liefeld and nieces Lynne Wood and Sherry Mcelroy. She is further survived by great nephews and nieces, numerous other relatives, and many loving friends. Linda will be honored by a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at: https://donate.cancer.org/index or to a charitable organization of your choice.