Linda Joyce Cidoni
June 15, 1954 – August 2, 2026

Linda Joyce Cidoni passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, on August 2, 2026.

Linda was born in San Francisco on June 15, 1954, and moved to Rio Dell shortly after her birth, where she was raised. She attended school in Scotia and later attended St. Bernard’s High School. She went on to graduate from Frederick’s Beauty School in Eureka and worked doing nails in Fortuna for several years.

Linda held many different jobs throughout her life. Her first job was at Bertain’s Laundry in Scotia, and over the years she also worked at a dialysis center in Eureka. In her 50s, she purchased and operated LC’s 101 Cafe in Rio Dell for several years.

More than any particular job or place, Linda will be remembered for two lifelong loves: music and animals.

Music was a large part of Linda’s life from the time she was young. In her 20s, she sang and played guitar with the Backroads Band, performing at festivals and events in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in California. She loved to sing and play music, and that love remained a part of her throughout her life.

Linda also had an extraordinary love for animals. She was happiest when animals were part of her world and was rarely without them. Horses held an especially meaningful place in her heart. Growing up, she had a horse named Summer, whom she continued to talk about fondly throughout her life. Many years later, she once again had a beloved horse, Heidi, who was still part of her life when she passed away.

Over the years, Linda cared for all kinds of animals — horses, dogs, birds, and even some of the wild creatures that found their way into her life. She had a soft spot for animals of every kind and often seemed to find companionship and comfort in them. Her love for them was one of the most constant parts of her life.

Linda’s journey took her through many different places and chapters. She moved often and lived a life that was uniquely her own, but eventually she found her way back to where her story had begun. In her 50s, Linda purchased a home in Rio Dell, and Rio Dell remained her home for the rest of her life.

She was raised in the Catholic faith.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Redwood Memorial Hospital, Tammy Boling, and First Responder Josh Khemraj for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided during Linda’s final hours.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Christine Kuhnlenz and Leah Kuhnlenz; her brothers, Stephen Cidoni and Thomas Cidoni; her sister, Diane Dixon Ratterman; her grandchildren, Edward, Brodie, Gianna, Riley, and Olivia; and her great-grandchildren, Brielle, Beckham, Christina, Arianna, and Peyton.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Dixon; her father, Stephen Cidoni; and her brother, Edmund Dixon.

Arrangements were entrusted to Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary in Fortuna, California.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, private services will be held.