Obituary of Linda Jean Taylor

Linda Jean (Smith) Taylor died in Santa Cruz CA on December 29, 2013 after a courageous fight with a lengthy illness. She was born April 2, 1956 in Placerville, California to Donald and Jeanine Smith. When she was 4 years old, she moved with her family to Salinas, California. Three years later she and her family moved into the home her father and grandfather built in Prunedale, California. She attended Echo Valley School and Alisal High School. She attended Hartnell College, Modesto Junior College and also studied Audiology at Cal State Sacramento. Her son Joshua Taylor was born in 1977. She was very proud of him. Over the next few years she and Joshua made a couple of moves but ultimately moved to Modesto. She enjoyed cooking, reading, crocheting and traveling. She earned her Cosmetology license and she was a property manager at several complexes. Four years ago, when she became ill, she moved to Santa Cruz to be near her sister Becky. Once a week they enjoyed going for drives along the cliffs to see the ocean, driving to the redwoods for a picnic or going to get her a manicure. She looked forward to these outings. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Jeanine Smith of Modesto and brothers Gary Smith of San Diego and Mark Smith of Modesto all formerly from Prunedale, CA. Linda is survived by her son Joshua Taylor of Oakdale, CA; sister Becky Cramer (Lindsey) of Santa Cruz, CA; sister Karen Combs (Larry) of Stanberry, MO; and by numerous nephews & nieces. Special thanks to nephew Brad Cramer and his wife Shawn of Scotts Valley who were very supportive of her during her illness. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. William Raffo and Dr. William Morris, the staff of Satellite Dialysis Santa Cruz and the staff of Hearts and Hands (formerly Santa Cruz Skilled Nursing Center) Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred to Hospice of Santa Cruz County who provided wonderful loving care and support to Linda and her family. We are truly grateful to them. Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Visitation and Viewing will be 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, January 3rd at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA Funeral Services, 11:00am on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 220 Elk Street, Santa Cruz, CA Private Interment will take place at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA.