Linda Twigg

In Loving Memory of Linda Twigg (Desmarais)
February 15, 1944 – September 4, 2025

Bothell, Washington

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of an unassuming warrior – a woman whose quiet strength, unwavering kindness and life of steady service made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Linda understood true leadership often happens quietly, in the spaces between the spotlight; for her, true motivation came from the companionship and comfort of her friends and family.

Linda lived a life marked by hospitality. Perhaps it was the early experience of transitioning from Canada to the US that taught her how to help others feel at home. She understood life is richer when shared and someone needs to do the work of bringing people together. Speaking of hospitality, Linda made the best Almond Puff, she was known for it, if that Almond Puff wasn't at your function – Linda wasn't there. This seemed to echo how she approached relationships too – she found what worked to create stability and connection, and she was faithful to it. She understood that consistency could be its own form of love.

She was a clear communicator who could mobilize people toward something meaningful, yet in daily conversation she remained what she'd always been: a listener, an observer, sometimes a silent judge who kept her cards close.

She met her husband, Robert, on a blind date arranged by her best friend, Betsy Sullivan. That date turned into 55 years of marriage. Together they raised two children, loved three grandchildren well and built a home that was a haven for friends and extended family.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46, she courageously fought the disease for 35 years – through multiple recurrences and remissions – always with calm resolve and quiet determination. At each new turn, her only question was, "What do I need to do to fight this?"

Professionally, she held roles ranging from BankAmericacard employee to Standard Airways flight attendant, home health accountant and office manager for her husband's ventures. She also managed the day-to-day operations of a vibrant household with skill and impeccable organization.

Linda loved gardening, crafts, sewing, knitting, Agatha Christie mysteries, traveling the world with friends, a good clearance section and especially her summers in the sun – basking outdoors in Seattle's fleeting warmth or wandering the aisles at Flower World nursery. She was a ruthless and joyful competitor at Chinese Checkers and, later in life, in the card game "9s," where she regularly swept the table of quarters from her children.

Linda held meaningful roles and found true joy serving her community as a Board member and elected President of Ryther, Lake Forest Park Elementary and Shorecrest High School PTA volunteer (Golden Acorn Award Winner), MSEA, LAFS (Ladies Acquiring Financial Stability) and assisting at Clothes for Kids in Lynwood.

Even in her final chapter, as dementia claimed her husband and her own body began to fail, her instincts remained unchanged. Visitors still found her offering refreshments, apologizing for her physical weakness.

She passed away on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, at the age of 81. Her daughter and son-in-law held her hands as she left this world to the sound of a song her husband had written just for her.

Linda's memory lives on in the hearts of her devoted husband of 55 years, Robert Twigg; her children, Cathy & Jim McCandless and Brian & Bernice Twigg and her cherished grandchildren Renae and Lauren Jacoby, Alison and Zane Friesen, along with bonus grandchildren Megan, Tyler, and Kyle McCandless.

Her family would like to thank all those who lifted her spirits in her final years – with phone calls, warm meals, ladies' nights, shared equipment and visits. A special thanks to the Desmarais relatives who joined the recent family reunion this August – she truly felt like the matriarch she was.

Linda described herself as organized, friendly, happy, and creative. She valued love, integrity, independence, humor, courage, family, connection, health, and consistency. And she lived each of those values out loud-not through grand declarations, but through steady, unwavering action.

A private gathering to celebrate her life will be held on October 2.

In honor of Linda's legacy, donations can be made to Clothes for Kids