Linda was born on December 31, 1944 in Cedar Rapids, Illinois the first born to her loving parents Arthur Alexander Bain (1921-1997) and Lauretta Jane Bain (1922-2007).  She was born at St. Luke's Methodist Hospital.  

Linda and her family moved to Canoga Park, CA in 1946.  It was here that her siblings Bruce, Becky, Barbara, Ken and Nancy were born.  She and her family had an active childhood with many trips to the mountains, canyons and beaches which fostered her love of the outdoors, camping, backpacking and surfing.

Linda's two children Kristen and Matt were born in Santa Rosa.  One of Linda's greatest source of pride and accomplishment was having raised two successful children as a single parent.  She was a courageous, and dedicated mother who worked so hard to provide a loving and enriching childhood for her children.  

Linda loved her grandchildren, Jalen Katelyn, Jameson, Ari, Linnae and Elin.  Her house was filled with their pictures and memorabilia of their milestones and accomplishments.  Between their visits to Santa Rosa or her travel to the Sacramento area she spent countless hours with her grandchildren on art projects, sporting events, holiday celebrations, and music and dance performances.  Her love and dedication to them was immense.

Linda was always seriously committed and actively engaged with the lives of her extended family.  After the passing of her mother she took on the role of matriarch by maintaining the connections between her siblings and their spouses (Bruce and Susan, Becky and Bill, Barbara and JoJo, Ken, Nancy and Kevin), niece Morgan her husband Dave, and nephews Jerrod and partner June, Thor, and Ben.  She always approached family with love and kindness and will always be deeply respected by her loved ones.

Linda was a life-long learner who continued taking classes throughout her life.  She was a role model for her family and friends about the importance and joy of education.  

She was a graduate of California State University Northridge.  After moving to Santa Rosa, CA in 1967, she attended Sonoma State for her teaching credential with a major in physical education and a minor in political science and then the University of San Francisco for a Master’s in Educational Counseling and Guidance. 

She loved Sonoma County and would take classes at Santa Rosa Junior College in art to paint local landscapes and still lifes.  She also took classes in wine tasting to better enjoy the local wineries.

Linda worked for the Santa Rosa City School District for 39 years.  She started as a P.E. teacher at Rincon Valley Junior High.  Later she worked at Slater Junior high and then Montgomery High School.  After years as a P.E. teacher, department chair and coach she became a counselor.  Through her tenure she touched the lives of so many students, sometimes multiple generations within the same family. She was always so happy to run into her former students as she so often did.