- Date Of Birth: October 28, 1949
- Date Of Death: August 1, 2014
- State: Idaho
Linda A. Strayer-May went to be with Our Lord on August 1, 2014. She passed away in her sleep at home after a long, courageous battle against Alzheimer’s. Our beloved Linda was born on October 28, 1949, in Pitttsburgh, PA, the second of four children of Catherine (Dascalos) and Leo Strayer. Linda moved with her family to Los Angeles, CA in 1962 where she graduated from Mark Keppel High and East L.A. Community College. In 1981, she moved her own family to Kuna, ID and later Boise, where she worked at the U.S.
Linda was known by all for her big heart and sweet and compassionate nature, as well as her fabulous sense of humor. Her laughter and good spirit were contagious. She loved helping those in need and her home was always open to her daughters’ friends who, as teens, may have needed a place to escape hardships in their own homes. She took in no less than five such teenagers in various times. She also took in a Vietnamese refugee who never forgot her kindness. On refugee she helped even named his daughter after her. Her kindness touched so many lives.
Recounting stories of her youth in Southern California, it was clear that beautiful Linda made a splash wherever she went. A favorite hangout was Hollywood in the late 60’s, where she won a best dancer contest at the famous Whiskey a Go Go. She loved to have fun whenever the opportunity presented itself. She enjoyed many trips to England, Costa Rica, and the Oregon Coast with her family and the love of her life, Britt May. They spent 30 years together, with Britt selflessly devoting many of those years to taking care of Linda at home until the very end.
Linda wanted nothing more than to become a grandmother and her wish was granted with the birth of her beloved granddaughters, Isabella and Evangeline. Though her time with them was short, she was able to spend much time with them and cherished every moment. A grandson, Jude, was born in 2012 in Texas. She would have been just as proud of him had she had a chance to know him. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, British and American comedy, all things Irish, reading, socializing with friends and family, and having a good laugh.
She will be remembered for her laughter, mirthful spirit, generosity, compassion, heart, and her willingness to listen to others with great empathy, among many other qualities she embodied. She rarely ever complained and always focused on the good things in her life. She was such a light in our lives and we will be forever grateful for her.
She is survived by husband, Britt May; daughter, Sarah Strayer of Boise; daughter, Alexandra Strayer of Texas; sister, Anna Strayer of Idaho City; sister, Deba McDonald of London, England; two granddaughters; and a grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Larry.
