Obituary of Linda Susan Freeman

On July 21, 2023, Linda Susan Freeman got her wings and went to walk with the angels. She was 76 years old.

 

Linda was born to Peter and Pearl Dornoff on September 5, 1946, in Compton, California. She grew up in Southern California with her parents, five sisters and a brother:  Dolores, Madeline, Shirley, Kathy, Nancy and Danny. Linda loved her entire family so much and cherished the moments with them throughout the years.

 

After graduating from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California, Linda chased her dreams of becoming a nurse by attending and graduating from Southern Oregon University.

 

Linda married Larry Thomas McVey on February 4, 1965, in Inglewood, California, and they were happily married until 1986. Together, they had two children, Jeanette (McVey) Mihelich and Larry Thomas McVey II. The family moved several times before settling in 1975 in Williams, Oregon. While in Williams, Linda learned to build upon the simple aspect of life: farm animals, growing vegetables, making jam with her sisters. Going from a big city to a small town is not easy for many, but for Linda, she thrived in this environment and took every opportunity to teach her children these same skills.

 

Linda married WWII veteran and former police officer David Freeman on December 28, 1987, in Reno, Nevada. Linda and Dave continued the simple life in Williams until 1993. Their next adventure landed them in Tumwater, Washington, where they transformed five acres of barren land into their own piece of heaven. From raising cattle or connecting with her neighbors, Linda cherished all of the moments and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that her land offered.

 

Linda always strove to improve herself professionally as well. She continued her education and received her Master’s in Educational Administration from Pacific Lutheran University, while she worked full time and was a caretaker for Dave. She thoroughly enjoyed her career as a nurse, working as the Nurse Administrator for Tumwater School District until her retirement, during which she continued to care for her husband, Dave, until his passing in 2009.

 

Linda had many hobbies. When she was not tending to her land, she could often be found walking at Millersylvania with her beloved dogs or devoting herself to her church, Saint Michael Parish, in whatever capacity was needed. She especially adored spending any time with her grandchildren, Tristan Mihelich, Brandon Mihelich, Kristina Michelich, Brayden McVey, Tanner McVey and Emma McVey. Another title that Linda wore proudly was great-grandma to Tristan’s daughter, Carsun. The highlights were many when staying with Grandma Linda. Whether it was baking, taking walks to Millersylvania, attending the local jumpy house, laying down hog fuel in the field or even the local museum, Grandma Linda ensured that every visit was jam packed, but they always included nightly reading of books and church on Saturday.

 

Linda will be missed by so many. She was truly the definition of what it means to be selfless and always put others before herself. No matter the circumstance, she lived her life believing that giving to others is the definition of service.

 

A funeral mass will be held for Linda on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Parish, 1208 11^th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98051. Reception to follow.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Linda’s honor to St. Michael Catholic Parish.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Freeman, please visit Tribute Store