Obituary of Linda Jane Ford-McCaffrey

Linda Jane Ford-McCaffrey, 71, of Newbury Park, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Linda was the only child of John Henry Ford and Harriett Jane Ford (Johnston), born on March 26, 1952. She will be interred at noon on Thursday, August 17, at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Rosemead, Calif

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her aunt Kathleen Salkeld (Ford) and cousins Patricia Ann (Kunz) Delgatto, Kathleen Munroe, Claudia Brown, Michelle Van Hoose, Matthew and Matt Salkeld. Patricia was like a sister to Linda growing up and recalls her commitment to the health and safety of others through her volunteer efforts.

Linda attended Catholic schools in the Pasadena area. She graduated in 1970 from San Gabriel Mission High School. She then attended UCLA and received both a bachelor's degree in ecosystems and a master's in geography in 1974 and 1977, respectively.

During her adult life, she was committed to the Catholic church. She was active as a lector, led women's Bible study and taught Sunday school.

She was active for over 20 years with the American Red Cross in Los Angeles County as chairwoman for their first aid stations.

She loved all types of music including jazz. Among her other interests, Linda was an avid photographer, participated in equestrian events, and kept her hands busy with cross-stitch embroidery.

Professionally, Linda held several planning positions within the Los Angeles County government. She was considered an expert in toxicity safety levels that proposed projects would have on the environment. She served on the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission as well as managing contracts for the Metro system.

Linda was married briefly and had no children. She started a new chapter in her life in Newbury Park after the divorce.

She followed her passion to help others by receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 2010 from the Colleges of Law in Ventura. She was a mediator in Ventura County small claims court and served on environmental boards as a volunteer.

Linda loved the wide-open spaces around her home and enjoyed hiking nearby trails. She had a quiet demeanor and loved the serenity of her surroundings.

She wrote in her diary: "What matters after death is not things, money made, or money owed, where I lived, grudges or frustrations, looks or brilliance. What does matter is my character and memories of others."

Linda is remembered as a sweet and dear soul. Her close friend and neighbor, RoseMarie Santos, extends her heartfelt thanks to Stephen Ministry of St. Julie Billiart Church in Newbury Park, Buena Vista Hospice, and Baxter Home Health for their devotion and superior care during the last six months of Linda's life.

She will be missed by all she touched. She was led home by her Guardian Angel and is resting peacefully in God's kingdom. She should be remembered for her commitment to serving others by paying forward to those starting a new chapter in their lives.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a Memorial Scholarship Fund in Linda's name at the Colleges of Law or to your local Red Cross chapter.

The Colleges of Law:
https://www.collegesoflaw.edu/resource-room/give-online/

American Red Cross:
https://www.redcross.org/local/california/central-california/ways-to-donate.html

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.