Linda Joanne Gale was born on January 15, 1948, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to Doug and Dorothy Gale. The younger sister to Betty, Linda grew up surrounded by faith, family, and laughter. In 1952, the Gale family moved to Los Angeles, where they became active members of their local church and made many lifelong friendships.

A 1966 graduate of Whittier High School, Linda attended Humboldt State University, where she earned her B.A. in Communications and her teaching credential in 1969. She then completed a master’s degree in Elementary Education at L.A. State. It was at Humboldt that Linda first met a young oceanography major, Jon Erickson. They were married in 1971, but with the Vietnam War ongoing, Jon enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While Jon was deployed, Linda taught first grade, where she poured her heart into her students and collected countless stories she cherished throughout her life.

After several years stationed in the Mediterranean and then at the naval base in Ferndale, Jon was eventually discharged and the couple settled in the Bay Area. Jon joined U.S.G.S. and Linda taught school before beginning a successful career in recruiting. They bought their first home in Redwood City in 1975 and joined Peninsula Bible Church, where they met lifelong friends. They quickly moved to a larger home on Harvest Drive where they raised their daughters, Heather and Tiffany, building deep ties with their neighborhood and Peninsula Covenant Church. At Palo Alto Staffing, Linda found her calling in encouraging others; her warmth, energy, and gift for connection shaped many careers and friendships.

In 1997, Jon and Linda moved to Santa Cruz, where they embraced a new season of community, friendships, and faith. After commuting to the Bay Area for many years, Linda founded her own career-coaching business, Possibilities Plus, bringing her talents and insight to those in Santa Cruz. Becoming “Nana” was one of Linda’s greatest joys. She adored her grandchildren—Emily, William, Charles, Patrick, Riley, Andrew, and Josh—and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. In her final years, Linda faced Alzheimer’s with grace, humor, and her enduring ability to make friends wherever she went. She entered heaven on January 11, 2026, and was reunited with her beloved parents and sister.

Linda filled every space she entered with warmth, joy, and light. Her faith guided her life, but her love for people defined it. She was an amazing friend who invested in people and was the first to offer help in any way she could. She saw the best in others, extended grace easily, and always focused on the positive. She was persistent and never gave up trying to do what she thought was right. She was the prayer warrior you wanted in your corner. Linda loved hosting, cooking, playing games, laughing, and celebrations of every kind. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, laughter, and love that lives on in every life she touched.