Linda Kiendra

Linda Black Kiendra, 64, of San Diego passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, May 3, 2014 after a long, brave fight with cancer.

Linda was born to the late Ray and Jolene Black on January 25, 1950 in Pensacola, FL. She was the oldest of four children, Richard “Bo” Black (Taylor), Laura Black, and Brad Black (Sherrie). Being first-born carried a lot of responsibility and she naturally took on a motherly role to her younger siblings, mastering diaper-changing by age 11. She enjoyed family trips to Idaho Falls, the Alisal Guest Ranch and Europe.

Linda lived most of her life in San Diego. She graduated from Point Loma High School in 1968 and attended University of the Pacific. Fluent in French, she spent a year living abroad in France and attended the University of Grenoble before returning to San Diego to complete her education at United States International University (USIU). In 1973, she married Robert Kiendra and had four children of her own. She was active in the Junior League and later joined the National Charity League with each of her three daughters. For many years, Linda worked alongside her family at the Carden School in Del Mar. In 2001, Linda returned to the school environment where she was the Volunteer Relations Coordinator at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Her interest in education along with her social demeanor made her a perfect fit for this role. She loved to say that she threw parties for a living and often spoke fondly of her co-workers, parents, and students.

Linda passed on her love of “all things French” to her children who grew up hearing French being spoken and sung to them. Music was an important part of her life. She played the piano, frequented the opera, and did in fact see “The Sound of Music” sixteen times in the theatres when it was first released. Linda’s passion for classical music, in particular, started as a young girl as she frequented the San Diego Opera with her grandmother - a tradition she carried on with her daughters and granddaughter.

Linda was well-travelled, having visited Europe, living in France for a year, and more recently making a pilgrimage to Italy in fall 2013. Above all places in this world, she loved her cabin in the Sierras. She would spend the summer with her children playing tennis, completing crossword puzzles, reading, and simply relaxing in her sanctuary.

Linda was known for her generous spirit, positive attitude, and glowing smile. Linda is survived by her four children, Mitchell Kiendra (Jami) of Murrieta, Jennie Coyle (John) of Oakland, Julie Kiendra (John Barceloux) of Orland, and Lisa Kiendra of San Francisco; five grandchildren, Tobey and Delaney Kiendra; Frankie, Rhainne, and Brianna Coyle.

The family would like to thank all of her friends, co-workers, Parents in Prayer, doctors, and nurses for their love and support, particularly over these past few years. Rosary and funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9th at 9:30am at St. Agnes Church in Point Loma at 1140 Evergreen St. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, family is requesting donations be made to help save her beloved San Diego Opera.