Linda Diane Fairburn Cress

Linda Diane (Fairburn) Cress peacefully completed this life on April 22, alongside her loved ones.

Known for her warmth, beautiful smile, authenticity, and loyalty, Linda cherished her deep friendships. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. She loved and prioritized her family, friends, and students always.

Linda was born May 6th, 1947 in Spokane, WA. In fourth grade, Linda met her soulmate Larry. They would eventually marry after college and share 31 treasured years together. During those years, they moved around the country for graduate school and work, spending summers at Linda's family cabin on Hayden Lake, ID, and eventually welcoming daughter Meghan.

She earned degrees from Rogers High School, the University of Idaho, and the University of Virginia. A lifelong learner and educator, Linda worked at the Treasury in Washington D.C., and taught elementary school for 25 years in Tacoma WA, Charlottesville VA, College Station TX, and Tulsa OK.

Linda, Larry, and Meghan moved back to the Pacific Northwest in 1994, settling in Salem, Oregon, where Larry was appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Willamette University. During her 30 years in Salem, Linda volunteered in Salem-Keizer public schools and the Adult Literacy Council. She later joined as faculty at Western Oregon University's School of Education.

Linda was a true patron of the arts locally, serving on the Board of the Oregon Symphony Association, attending Portland's Broadway series, and supporting the Hallie Ford Art Museum at Willamette. Her involvement also included multiple terms as President of the Salem chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a women's investment club, and book club.

Linda's passing is preceded by her husband Larry Cress in 2000, sister Carol Fairburn Isaacson in 1970 (husband Allen Isaacson, daughters Wendy Isaacson Johnson and Kimberly Isaacson Ireland), and her parents Willard and Louise Fairburn. She is survived by brother Richard Fairburn of Spokane (wife Tanja Fairburn, son Dustin Van Wyck), and also by daughter Meghan Cress, son-in-law Chad Heaton, and her beloved grandchildren Charlie, James, and Emilie Heaton of Woodside, CA.

Linda and her family are grateful to Dr. Janelle Meyer of Oregon Oncology, Melanie Berry of Salem Health Cancer Institute, Willamette Vital Health staff, and the Edward J. Tokarski Home. To all of you, she was a person before a patient.

Infinite gratitude extends to Linda's best friends Margaret Bryant, Joan Gladow, Doreen and Paul Negstad, and treasured sister-in-law Laurie Reid - extraordinary leaders of Linda's village.

Linda's legacy carries on through her support of students via scholarships at all educational institutions aforementioned, as well as political and environmental organizations.

Ever the teacher, Linda accepted a role with OHSU in her final two years of life. As a patient-teacher, she helped first-year medical students understand all facets of terminal patients' lives. She highlighted how small changes in healthcare can exponentially increase the quality of precious life remaining.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting this impactful course by donating to the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation's Center for Ethics in Healthcare - specifically selecting the "Miles J. Edwards Endowed Chair in Professionalism and Comfort Care" fund, which can be found online.