Linda Jeannette Byrd

Linda Jeannette Byrd (nee Nixon) passed away peacefully on March 28, 2008 surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born on June 10, 1947 in Bakersfield, CA. She grew up in the San Joaquin Valley and southern California, ultimately graduating from Anaheim's Loara High School in 1965 and then from the Radiological Technologist (RT) program at Bakersfield College in 1973. Linda worked as a Radiological Technologist for 24 years before retiring in 1997. Once free from the confines of work, she had time to tend her garden, which became resplendent with artistically designed plantings of gladiolas, roses, delphiniums, daffodils, and snapdragons. Gardening became a metaphor for Linda's battle with ovarian cancer: whatever rocky soil she landed on, she turned into a garden. Animals without homes concerned Linda greatly and she did her best to care for neighborhood strays, making sure when possible that they received love and care. She was a whiz at crossword puzzles and if you dared to play Scrabble with her, you would routinely be stunned when she managed to use all of the triple word scores. Reading was a passion; through books Linda could travel the world and live a life that allowed her to do the things she always wanted. Linda fought the good fight, always maintaining a positive outlook and an incredible will to live that made her friends and family proud and awestruck. The calm and wise approach Linda used in dealing with life taught us all very valuable and meaningful lessons; we are thankful to have known her. Words cannot articulate the measure of loss felt by her absence. Linda is survived by her husband, Bob Byrd; sons, Robert Aguilera, Charles Aguilera (wife, Patricia) and daughter, Caron Byrd; sisters, Carol Braselton and partner, Dottie Ronan, Diana Sad; and brother, Dennis Roberts also survive her; her Aunt Gladys Roberts; grandchildren, Kyle, Mitch, Carina, and C.J.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Linda also leaves behind her ever faithful and constant companion, Oscar, who is a shining example of Linda's love of animals. Our family would like to thank Dr. Ravi Patel and the staff at Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) for every effort made on behalf of Linda. A special thank you to Janet McCormick, Linda's nurse in her final hours: You really made a difference and we will be eternally grateful for your care and compassion. A celebration of Linda's life will take place at Greenlawn Southwest's chapel, 2739 Panama Lane, in Bakersfield, on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. All who were touched by Linda's life are welcome. In lieu of flowers and in support of those who continue to fight cancer, donations to the CBCC Foundation for Community Wellness (http:// www.cbccusa.com) are welcome. Linda Jeannette Byrd June 10, 1947 - March 28, 2008

This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.