Linda Angela Rovai suddenly and peacefully left us Oct. 23, 2024. Born May 23, 1949, she was the eldest of the four children of Louis and Mary Rovai. She was preceded in death by her sister Paula Rovai Miller; her brother: Louis Rovai Jr as well as her parents, Louis Rovai and most recently, Mary Micheli Rovai.

Linda attended and graduated from Rio Dell Elementary, Fortuna Union High School and HSU (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Linda was a student athlete and was part of the HSU woman’s volleyball team. After graduating from HSU in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she graduated from Cal State Hayward in 1977 with a Master of Science degree in Special Ed and counseling. She continued her education at the University of California Santa Barbara and graduated in 1985 with a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration.

Linda began her teaching career in Oakland at the Elmhurst Middle School. It was there that she formed special friendships that lasted for a lifetime with Lis Tsukushi, Larry Spencer and Vida Ellis among many.

Linda would eventually move from the Bay Area and settled in Ojai. It was in Ojai that she found her life’s calling as a counselor for students with disabilities at Ventura College. This is where she truly shined. Linda understood the challenges that faced young adults. Her thoughtfulness and insights helped many students that would pass through her door.

Family meant everything to Linda. In 2021, Linda made the difficult decision to temporarily relocate from Ojai to Rio Dell. She spent this time lovingly taking care of her mother, making sure her mother’s passing was as gentle and peaceful as possible. Linda treasured this gift of being able to spend these last few years sharing memories with her mother and renewing connections with friends and family.

Linda had many interests, one being genealogy. Linda spent countless hours researching our heritage, crafting a beautiful book filled with recipes, stories and photos that celebrated our roots. Her Italian heritage was a source of immense pride. She cherished sharing this rich history. Her passion for preserving our lineage and celebrating our heritage will always be a guiding light for our family. Linda instilled in us a deeper appreciation for where we came from. Her legacy will live on in the meals we share and the stories we tell. Some of Linda’s favorite Italian recipes included torta (more greens!!), pasta burro, biscotti and homemade raviolis.

Linda’s definition of family included her dear friends. It’s not often a person is lucky enough to find a group of friends that become family. Linda found this with a close group of women – or, as she referred to them, her Sisterhood. Time and distance couldn’t dampen the bond of their sisterhood, and they found creative ways to stay present in each other’s lives. When Linda moved back home to take care of her mother, the Sisterhood had weekly Zoom meeting to ensure they stay connected to one another. This was especially important to Linda because these weekly meetings gave her an opportunity to nourish her soul.

Linda’s generous spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around her. Her kindness knew no end, always willing to help those in need, reminding us that there is so much more to this world. Linda saw beauty in the simplest moments and believed in the power of connection, nurturing relationships with a warmth that drew people in. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever inspire us.

Linda is survived by her godson; Anthony (Kellan) Hickman and children: Gavin & Gianna; Sister Rita (Stan) Johnson and children: Angela Johnson DeMatos and children: Lourenco & Sánta; Amy (Ven) Letter and children: Madisyn, Kobe & Matthew; Kelsey Johnson Van Dissel and son, Kees; Brother-in-law Kim Miller and children: Amber (Ben) Brown and son, Theo; Sky (Katee) Miller Foxx and children: Corinne ‘Coco’ Jones and Scarlett Poppy. She is also survived by her dear friends; Karen Hickman, Barbara Hoffman, Joan Willicombe, Shirley Ronkowski, Judy McKinley, Arla Bravo and Bonnie Skinner

Family and friends are invited to attend Linda’s memorial services at the Rio Dell Fire Hall on Sunday, November 10 at 2:30 p.m. Please bring photos or memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Eagle Prairie Elementary School (95 Center St., Rio Dell, CA 95562), the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department (50 W. Center St., Rio Dell, CA 95562) or to a charity of your choice.

If you would like to celebrate Linda in a more personal way; enjoy your favorite Italian dish while you sip a margarita.

Ciao Linda. May you rest in the peace, kindness and generosity that you shared with us.