Linda Jean Kessler

We are so sad, but proud to honor the life of our beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunty, and friend, Linda Jean Kessler. Linda was born on November 10,1949 in Penn Yan, New York to Ralph Clay and Elinor Burr Fitzwater. The youngest of three girls, Linda was a spunky youngster who spent her earlier days finding success in the classroom and participating in numerous sports, including track and field. After her father's passing when she was sixteen, the family relocated to Hawaii and then San Diego, where Linda embraced her love of the salt, sand, and sea. San Diego State University was her collegiate "home," and where she received her degree in Kinesiology. It was during that time that she met the love of her life, David, in The Broadway, where she was tending the makeup counter and David sold shoes. They married in 1973 and began building their life together; needless to say, they spoiled one another with love. Life was not without trials and tribulations, however, but they endured the best of times and worst of times hand in hand. Soon, their dream of having a family became a reality; Jessica Dawn and Dana Nicole gave Linda the esteemed title of "mom." Linda worked for Union Bank, where she ascended through the ranks year after year; her final title upon retirement at 33 years of service was Vice President/Manager. She was respected for being an intelligent, confident, and competent woman in male-dominated, corporate America. As the girls grew, Linda took great pride in their athletic and academic accomplishments. She enjoyed worldwide travel, caring for her Golden Retrievers, and lavish Christmases, her all-time favorite holiday. As a family, the Kesslers spent summers water skiing and winters snow skiing; ironically, these activities remained constant even after her diagnosis, as she proudly participated in many adaptive recreation programs. In her last years, she found herself at the Loma Verde pool daily, nourishing her body and mind, making lasting friendships and sharing her ferocious spirit and positive attitude with those around her. It goes without saying, however, that her most cherished times were spent with her four grandchildren at the zoo and nature center; words cannot describe the uniquely deep and infinite love she had for each of them. A warrior until the end, she was not scared of where she was headed on her journey, as her Episcopal faith was strong. Quitting the fight against ALS was never an option; Linda continued that fight even after death, as she gave the ultimate "Gift of Hope" to scientists committed to finding a cure. She will be loved and missed for eternity.

Linda is survived by her husband of 43 years, David; daughter, Jessica Logan (spouse, Patrick); daughter, Dana Harward (spouse, Bryan); four beautiful grandchildren, Jackson Clay, Brielle Jordyn, Camden Pierce and Andrew David; sister, Susan Egan; niece, Kimberly Egan (spouse, Ram); nephew, Scott Egan (spouse, Bianca) and their children, Davina and Liam.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Linda's memory to the charity most dear to her, ALSTDI: www.als.net/donate

Additionally, if you are an Amazon shopper, please shop at www.smile.amazon.com and choose ALSTDI as the charity recipient. Your shopping experience remains the same and 0.5% of every purchase will support critical ALS research.