Linda Woodd Johnson

Linda grew up in Kaneohe, Hawaii and attended James B. Castle High School. She moved to Oregon in 1979 and spent most years living in the SW Portland area. She worked for Community Action driving school buses for the head start program in Hillsboro, OR for 13 years. She loved nurturing the minds of little ones with her daily interactions. Teaching safety and responsibility, and greeting students with encouraging words, warmth and smiles made her day. Once she retired in 2012 she spent more time reconnecting with family she had not seen in over 30 years, sharing memories and stories ignited her passion for poetry. Along with painting she often wrote poems that told a story or celebrated a special moment. It seemed only fitting to write a poem in her honor about her final moments with us: Mom, I trust you’ll guide my hand to write this as beautifully as only you can… Take me back to the island she’d say I see the ocean and I’m headed that way! The smell of cocoa butter fills my nose And the feeling of sand between my toes. I hear my favorite Hawaiian songs And I know I am right where I belong. It’s all I envision as I leave this place. Why do I see an old familiar face? I question why you’re here And your answer brings me no fear. With so much love surrounding me and so much love awaiting me How much more fortunate could I be? Either way I have won And my battle here is done. Please don’t cry my daughters and sons We knew this day would come. I left you with all you could ever need Love, stories and treasured memories. Thank you, Mom, for your part You will always live on in our hearts. Survived by her 4 children and 7 grand kids; Summer Danton mother of Kailan and Malia; Aaron Danton father of Alana and Noraa; Chad Danton father of Kalei; and Desiree Marr mother of Olivia and Lainey. Memorial gathering will be held Sunday, October 21st at Summerfield Golf Course in Tigard, OR from 1PM to 5PM.