Linda with her first grandchild, Luke

Linda's children appreciate her always being there for them. My mom has been an incredible role model ö a traditional mother, a working woman and a good person with a good heart and selfless intentions, said her daughter, Nancy Tao. My mom has inspired me through example. She taught me how to lead by her example and the example

Her daughter, Tracy Tao-Moore, credits her mother with inspiring her to be her own person. ãShe was always there to help me with my high school studies. English, poetry and literature were the most difficult subjects and yet, my mom was right there to clarify it every night. I thank my mom for respecting my decision to go to college for the deaf in New York, which turned out to have a positive impact on my personal growth. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been who I am today.

Her son, Andy Tao, says the best gift his mother gave him was teaching him how to free his mind and giving him the power to learn and to dream. ãWe have traveled far and beyond time together as mother and son,ä he said. We traveled back in time when she read me stories of King Arthur or when we performed verses by Shakespeare. We went into the future by watching movies like Star Wars and Star Trek. We even lived in another realm by reading comic books. We traveled to a galaxy far away by going to the science museums.

Nancy Kawada, her sister, considers Linda her best friend. ãMy sister and I have shared the joys of life as well as its heartaches and disappointments. We have

each raised three children who are as close as siblings. She has raised all three children with much love, understanding, and ultimate dedication and has been an advocate for them. I want to grow old with my dear sister, my best friend.ä

Nancy's children also feel very close to their Aunt Linda. Her niece, Jodi Kawada, says one of the best compliments she receives is when people tell her she reminds them of Auntie Linda. ãWe share many things a love of reading, the same alma mater, a healthy appetite and other more intangible mannerisms. My aunt has always been a role model to me. I admire her intelligence, independence and thirst for knowledge. I greatly respect her strength, creativity and ability to persevere through the challenges life has thrown at her.

I also admire my aunt because she pursued a college education at a time when college wasnât even an option

to many women and especially unacceptable as a second-generation Japanese-American woman. I am lucky to have an aunt who has the strength to challenge the norm and to speak her mind.
When her nephew, Jeffrey Kawada, was in third grade, he wrote a short story about Billy the Boo Boo Bird. Linda saved it all these years, and recently sent it to Jeffreyâs wife to share with their children. ãI love and admire my Auntie Linda because like Billy The Boo Boo Bird, no matter what challenges she may face, she always has the strength to climb back up to the nest and take the leap of faith again, Jeffrey said. Lindaâs brother,  Ray Horita, misses Linda's Wednesday night cube steaks, adding You have always been so beautiful to me.

Linda has many lifelong friends, who cherish her friendship. Linda is the most open and honest person, said Roberta Takata. We've been friends since we were teens. Years go by and when we talk it's as if no time has passed.

Her friend Sharon Knubley says their friendship started when they had children at school together. They joined forces to fight the school district to get an interpreter for their deaf children. ãWe weren't going to take no for an answer, and since then we have been good friends,ä she said. I can call her and she will be there in a minute.ä They took family trips together for years, and now have been going to Florida themselves, along with Nancy, for eight years. The first year, Sharon recalls, We stopped at the beach, ran out, threw our towels down, and said to each other �Isnât this wonderful? We didnât even have a hotel yet! That is how Linda is, so appreciative of just being there.
Theresa Coons has been a friend for 19 years. We have shared so much, the many Tuesday night dinners and shopping, or hanging while Andy and Tommy were at Boy Scouts. We sat together and watched them play basketball, shared the birthday parties, saw them become Eagle Scouts, and eventually sent them to college, where they were roommates.

And finally, her employer and friend, William Tao said, ãThrough the last 30 years, William Tao & Associates has had hundreds of employees, but you are most loyal, a person I can depend on and trust. As a working mother, you have gone through many hardships by supporting all your children through college. I salute you and wish you a happy birthday and many more.

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