Linda Palandech

Linda Palandech (84) passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024, after a brave bout with Alzheimer’s. Linda’s life was a testament to her love for family, community, and making a positive impact on the earth. Born June 10, 1939, in San Francisco, CA. She was born to Henry Samuel Waters and Mary Hilda (Garrett) Waters. Linda lived with her family in San Francisco until she was 5 years old. Her family then moved to Portland, OR, to open a designer shoe store. Her father, Henry Waters, was a prominent shoe designer and had a famous shoe line. His shoes can still be found and purchased today.

She lived on Peacock Lane and reminisced about how her dad was the neighborhood Christmas light police, making sure all the houses had their lights turned on by the designated hour. Her Washington High School years were some of her happiest memories. She was nominated President of Gamma Sigma. She had lifelong friends from grade school and high school.

In 1962, she moved to Milwaukie. On June 5, 1976, Bob and Linda were married at the Oaks Pioneer Church in Sellwood. Linda was one of Milwaukie’s biggest fans! She and Bob were regulars at First Fridays, the Sunday Market, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, and even the Winter Solstice celebration. You could find her supporting local businesses like “Wine 30” (despite not being a wine drinker herself) simply to connect with friends. But her greatest joy was cheering on “her city’s” achievements, like the arrival of the Milwaukie fire department’s first ladder truck.

Her work career started at the Bank of California. Throughout the years, she held various positions at a food distributor, a couple of doctor’s offices, and an engineering firm. After retirement, Linda’s commitment to service grew stronger. She volunteered countless hours at the Clackamas Service Center; Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Oregon Auxiliary; Clackamas Community Center, where she particularly enjoyed creating the list for their annual quilt show; Milwaukie Providence Hospital Foundation; the Milwaukie Rotary; Remembering America’s Heroes; as a 4-H leader, and at the Malheur Field Station.

This June, Bob and Linda would have celebrated 48 years of marriage. Linda was a great support for Bob’s years in the Air National Guard. Her dedication earned her the “Spouse of the Year” award from the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Oregon. She affectionately was nicknamed the “Donut Lady” by the National Air Guard Unit during drill weekends.

Family was everything to Linda. She was happiest when “her girls were together.” Her favorite past time was spending time with family. She and Bob were a constant presence at their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities.

Linda also held a deep respect for the Earth, passing on a love for recycling, cleaning up trash, and taking care of the environment. Linda was a big Blazer fan. She loved spending time at the beach, supporting the arts, and traveling in the states and abroad. She had a love for music. Watching and listening to piano music, especially John Nilsen, brought her the greatest joy!

Linda’s faith in Christ was a cornerstone of her life. She will be remembered for living out her faith by loving unconditionally, her humility, seeing the best in every person, having a uniquely pure heart, and serving others. She will be deeply missed!

She was preceded in death by parents, Henry Samuel Waters & Mary Hilda (Garrett) Waters and brother, Garrett Waters. Linda is survived by her husband, Robert Palandech; daughters and sons-in-law, Shelley & Michael West (Milwaukie), Kathy & David Jones (John Day), Susan Maas (Los Angeles), bonus daughter, Traci & Brian O’Connor (Milwaukie); grandchildren, Cory Maas, Daniel Jones, Tiffany Erickson, Lindsey Jones, Katie Demidenko; great-grandchildren, Christian Jones, Asher Jones, Evangeline Erickson, Juliet Erickson, Rosalind Erickson, and Miles Demidenko.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope City Church in Milwaukie on April 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Clackamas Service Center www.cscoregon.org/donate
Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org , by calling 1-800-272-3900 or mailing a check to PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011