Linda White

Linda King White

March 31, 1941 - February 26, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Linda King White at the age of 83, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Presbyterian Hospice Inpatient Unit after a series of short illnesses. Throughout her final days, Linda's determination to live and her indomitable spirit were unwavering, even as her body could no longer keep pace with her will to thrive.

Linda's life was marked by an unyielding commitment to education, public service, and lifelong learning. Her professional journey included roles as a middle school counselor in Albuquerque and Las Cruces Public Schools, as well as leadership positions such as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Association of Idaho, and the Albuquerque YWCA, and a member of the Board of the National Planned Parenthood Federation. In her early 80s, Linda completed the 4-year Education For Ministry (EFM) program and continued to serve the Episcopal Church, further exemplifying her lifelong devotion to growth, service, and education.

A passionate advocate for educational opportunities, Linda was instrumental in establishing scholarships in the names of her parents, her parents-in law, and several loved ones, focused on areas of particular importance and interest to them. She was deeply committed to ensuring that future generations would have access to the resources and opportunities she valued so highly. Linda was extremely proud of the educational goals and achievements of her four children and two grandchildren and encouraged them in all of their various interests and pursuits.

Linda's political activism was another cornerstone of her life. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters, worked on various ballot issues, and supported progressive candidates at local, state, and federal levels. Her activism was grounded in a vision of equality and compassion, particularly for women, girls, and minorities, always advocating for forward-thinking, inclusive solutions.

An insatiable reader, Linda's love for knowledge knew no bounds. She was deeply well-read, with a vast collection of books and articles spanning countless subjects-her Amazon orders alone would attest to her eclectic tastes and relentless curiosity.

Beyond her professional and intellectual pursuits, Linda was a lover of the arts and culture. She instilled a deep appreciation for music, theater, and the arts in her family. Her passion for the New Mexico Philharmonic, the Santa Fe Opera, and countless museums, botanical gardens, and zoological exhibits helped to cultivate the same appreciation in those around her, enriching the lives of her loved ones with every performance, every exhibit, every experience.

She also tolerated her husband's love of the New York Yankees and even learned quite a bit about baseball herself.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 45 years, Charles White; daughters, Sarah Hawkins, Allison Swift (Jerry), Rachel Hawkins; and son, Daniel Hawkins (Kylie). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Audrey Swift and Benjamin Hawkins, as well as her brother, Dr. Kenneth King (Jenness) and sister-in-law, Barbara Blakley (Larry), her sweet little terrier, Sage and beloved red Standard Poodle, 'grandog,' Olive Noel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Dorothy King, and her son-in-law, Samir Y. Naguib, and many beloved dogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Animal Humane Society, or the Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John (318 Silver Avenue, Albuquerque, NM 87102), followed by a reception to celebrate Linda's life and legacy.