LINDA YOUNG-STRONG

Age 57, mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, and friend, died at her home in Alamo, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Linda found peace at the end of a courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was born on November 24, 1950, in Fullerton, California, to Dr. James and Marilyn Gregory. At 14 Linda lost her mother. Her father remarried Dr. Dorothy Rasinski. Linda attended Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton.

In 1972, Linda graduated from Whittier College with a degree in Sociology and Special Education. She later had two children, Michelle (28) and Thomas (26), with her former husband Michael Young. She has been a resident of the Walnut Creek area since 1979.

Linda’s life was about giving. She was a program director for the Family Stress Center, the director of the Berkeley Food Pantry, she lead the Youth Educator program at Las Lomas High School, and later she was the director of the Score! Educational Center in Alamo. She also earned her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Organization from the University of San Francisco.

Linda lived for her children and gave to others in need. She took in kids that needed a home and gave them the gift of motherly love.

In 2004 Linda married Greg Strong. They enjoyed traveling, concerts, theatre, the A’s and Cal games. Recently her happiest moments were holding her new grandson.

Linda is survived by her husband, Greg Strong, her daughter Michelle Young and fianc Merrill Long; her son Thomas Young; her grandson Forrest Cannon Long; her parents Dr. and Mrs. James B. Gregory; and countless close friends.

A prayer service will be held at the New Life Church, 2501 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA, at 11:00 AM, on Friday, January 18, 2008.

In lieu of flowers Linda wished for donations to be made to the Berkeley Food Pantry at 1600 Sacramento St., Berkeley, CA, 94702.

We thank all of the chemo nurses and staff who took such good care of Linda, and her friends who were by her and her family’s side through the end. Linda gave so much to us all. She will be missed everyday. We love you, Linda!

East Bay Times, CA. January 2008

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