Linda A. Johnson ’82 died on October 7, 2024, in Berkeley, California.
(The following was provided by Portland Press Herald in November 1, 2024:)
Linda A. Johnson ’82
Linda Ann Johnson passed away on October 7, 2024, in Berkeley, Calif., at the age of 64 from residual effects from a brain tumor that could only be partially removed in 2007. Her husband and son were by her side.
Linda was born on Dec. 7, 1959, at Yonkers Professional Hospital in New York City. She was the daughter of Francis P. Johnson and Sally M. Johnson. The family moved to Falmouth, Maine in 1961, where they lived for many years.
Linda graduated from Falmouth High School in 1978 and earned degrees from Bowdoin College and Boston University School of Journalism.
Linda was a beloved figure known for her vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to her passions, specifically running, music, and family. Her interest in running began as a teenager and was inspired by Bowdoin College alumnus and fellow Mainer, Joan Benoit Samuelson. Linda’s passion for running continued throughout her life, as she ran marathons annually until she could no longer.
Linda’s passion for music started in junior high, with her love for Elton John and music in general. This motivated her to travel domestically to Elton John concerts, and to study in the UK. This passion took her from wandering around record stores as a teenager to pursuing a career in the music industry. Linda moved to New York City, where she worked for Billboard Magazine, and where she met and married Tony Sabournin. After several years they moved to Miami, Fla., where she gave birth to her son, Hugo, and continued working at Billboard. Following her divorce from Tony, Linda met, fell in love with, and married Victor Pataca, and they moved to Stuart, Fla., to be closer to Linda’s parents following their retirement.
Linda and her family lived in Stuart, Fla., until 2014. Following the discovery of her brain tumor and surgery, growing home health needs led to a move to Berkeley, Calif.
Linda and Victor shared a full life, spending every day together, even after her physical capabilities declined. They celebrated their 25th anniversary this year.
Linda was a force of nature, intelligent, humorous, focused, hardworking, and remarkably stubborn. Her strong-willed approach to life resulted in her living fully and loving deeply, positively impacting everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. In her later years, Linda was cared for by an in-home team of caregivers who came to love her and devoted their days to ensuring she was well cared for and having fun. Linda’s charisma and sense of humor allowed her to make friends and form deep connections throughout her life.
Linda’s life was a testament to her strong will and the deep bonds she forged with family and friends. Her legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. Her love for her family fueled her fight to live over the past few years.
Linda is survived by her husband, Victor Pataca; son, Hugo Sabournin; mother, Sally Johnson; siblings Samuel and Elizabeth Johnson; sister-in-law Kristin Johnson and brother-in-law Titus Kao; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Francis P. Johnson.