Linda Sparling

1942 - 2015

Linda Sparling
May 28, 1942 - Feb. 3, 2015
Resident of San Jose
Linda Ruth (Hjelmeland) Sparling entered eternal rest in San Jose after a long battle with neuroendocrine cancer, leaving us just as she had lived with us her entire life - surrounded by loving family and friends. Linda was born in Glasgow, Montana to Vesta (Betty) and Leonard Hjelmeland. In 1948, Linda moved with her new siblings Janet and Leonard (Larry) to Paso Robles, CA. In 1960, the family moved to San Jose where Linda graduated from Willow Glen High School. Linda obtained her secondary teaching credential in Business Education at San Jose State while she was active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After her marriage to Jim Sparling in 1968, Linda began teaching at Piedmont Hills High School. During this time, the true joys of her life arrived with the birth of her son Chad in 1973 and daughter Erin in 1975. Linda spent the last portion of her career developing a Desktop Publishing program at Santa Teresa High School. After retirement, she kept active in education by mentoring new teachers in California's New Teacher Project.
Linda lived her life with grace, beauty, and courage. Linda lightened everyone's lives with her radiant smile and warm laughter. A passionate woman, she had many causes and people she loved and supported, although most important were family gatherings. Linda organized and hosted many of these, usually in her beloved home, but also as far away as Alaska and Norway. Linda's passion for her Norwegian heritage culminated in a family reunion trip to Norway to meet relatives, a life-changing experience for all. Linda also chose to walk a path of spiritual enlightenment and growth, becoming a Deacon in the Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for many years and remaining active in church study groups and activities.
Linda's final years were filled with the joy of being a grandmother. She is survived by her mother Betty, formerly of San Jose, her 2 children Chad Sparling of Colorado Springs and Erin Ohlgren of Santa Barbara, her sister Janet Vondra of Wrightwood, CA, her brother Larry Hjelmeland of Davis, CA, her niece Anna Kirsten Hjelmeland of Davis, her nephews Russ Herold of Denver and Matt Herold of San Francisco, and her grandchildren Trista, Rhyse, Riley of Colorado Springs Lars and Evelyn of Santa Barbara. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in San Jose, CA on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Cancer CAREpoint, 2505 Samaritan Dr. Bldg 400, Suite 402, San Jose, CA 95124.