Linda Coupe Lanterman

1939 - 2025

Linda Coupe Lanterman

October 20, 1939 - February 22, 2025

Granite Bay, California - Linda Coupe Lanterman, a dedicated educator, advocate, leader in public education and writer, passed away on February 22, 2025, at Elim Glen in Granite Bay, California after a long bout with dementia. Born on October 20, 1939, in Stockton, California because Tracy did not have a hospital. Linda's life was defined by a deep commitment to learning, teaching, and public service. She also enjoyed over 25 years of tennis, deep sea fishing and writing on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband Doug.

Linda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1961, followed by a Master of Arts in Political Science with a focus on International Relations and Public Administration from the University of Georgia, Athens, in 1962. Her passion for education led to a career in teaching and educational leadership.

Linda held a Life California Teaching Credential and taught at both the high school and university levels. She served as a high school teacher at San Jose High School and Homestead High School as well as an instructor at San Jose State University and Santa Clara University.

As a dedicated public servant Linda was elected three times to the Fremont Union High School District Board of Education, serving from 1981 to 1994, including four terms as president. Her leadership extended to numerous educational committees and initiatives, including 1989 testimony given in a state assembly committee hearing on restricting assault weapons which was commended by the State Attorney General. She served as President of the Santa Clara County School Boards Association, Chair of the At-Risk Youth Committee, and a representative on the Interagency Council on At-Risk Youth. Linda was also appointed to several state and national education advisory boards, including the California School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association's Federal Relations Network.

Linda's advocacy for education policy reached the highest levels of government. She served as an advisor to the California School Boards Association President on early intervention programs and was appointed by two California governors to education policy advisory committees. She also lobbied Congress on behalf of California's public schools as part of the National School Boards Association delegation. She was an active speaker and presenter at conferences for organizations such as the California School Boards Association, the American Association of University Women, and the National Association of Women Business Owners. A passionate writer, Linda contributed articles to various publications and while in Hawaii authored multiple books, including six novels and four short story collections.

Linda's professional achievements were matched by her devotion to family. She shared over 60 years of a loving marriage with Doug, BSEE from Stanford and MBA Santa Clara University. Together, they raised two sons: John, MD, and Jeffrey, attorney. Their family grew to include daughters-in-law Chhanseda and Angela; grandchildren Bentley, Davis, Alexa, Luke, and Mathew Taing; granddaughter-in-law Kim; and great-grandson Noah. She is survived by her three Coupe brothers, Dennis, Jeffrey and Dean. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Eunice Coupe, as well as Margaret, John's first wife and the birth mother of Bentley and Davis.

Linda's love for education was not just professionalit was deeply personal. She cherished the classroom experience, particularly teaching high school history and government. She found great joy in engaging with students, respecting their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Her dedication to education was rooted in a family traditionboth parents were teachers and graduates of UC Berkeley. Her father was a retired Naval officer, and she referred to herself as a "Navy Junior ". Linda remained a proud Cal alum throughout her life. She always said she had a mixed marriage, Cal and Stanford. Linda Lanterman's legacy is one of service, scholarship, and unwavering dedication to education. Her impact on students, educators, and public policy will be felt for generations. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at John and Chhanseda's house in Lake of the Pines on June 7th from 2 to 5 p.m. Please RSVP so you can be called in at the gate.

No Flowers. Please donate to your favorite charity in her name.