Linda Eileen Padden

Dec 7, 1943 -

May 30, 2024

Linda Eileen (Werner) Padden, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, child of God and dear friend, died at home on May 30, 2024. Linda was known for her wisdom, kindness, optimism, laughter, impeccable style and her love of children. She had an unlimited capacity for love and friendship; her benevolence led many people to describe Linda as their best friend.

Born in Seattle, Wash., to Ben and Adele Werner, Linda was the oldest of three daughters raised in a loving home. She enjoyed idyllic summer days on the family boat, exploring the Pacific Coast with her parents and sisters. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in education, which is where her budding romance with Michael, her husband of 56 years, blossomed. They started their life together in Seattle, and in 1983 they moved to the Last Frontier.

Once she got over her fear of driving in the snow, Linda embraced the Alaska lifestyle. She was affectionately known across Anchorage as "Miss Linda" because of her 25 years as the esteemed Director of New Horizons Preschool. Though retired for many years, her preschool community remained one of her greatest loves and accomplishments in life. She was happiest outside in her garden, with a book in hand - and perhaps a piece of chocolate. She was dedicated to Central Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and fostered friendships. She volunteered with The Listening Post, using her gifts to listen with compassion and create a safe space for those in need. She enjoyed her cabin days on Shaw Island, where she relished boat rides, cracking Dungeness crab and long walks with her husband, friends, grandchildren and granddogs.

Linda endured a great loss while battling her own illness when Michael died in March 2023. She managed her grief and suffering with strength and dignity. She is survived by her three children, Kyra Holtzman (Barney), Keith Padden (Jackie) and Eileen Kemink (Austin); sisters, Patricia Drew (Prentis) and Kathleen Hunter (Steve); sister-in-law, Patricia Padden (Ann); nieces and nephews; and treasured granddaughters, Zoe, Sophie, Naomi and Roxann.

A memorial service will be held on June 17, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Central Lutheran Church, centluth.org; the Shaw Island Teacher Housing Project, shawislandschool.org; or Friends of the Library Anchorage, librarychampion.com.

In honor of Miss Linda, take a moment to check in on a friend in need, read a book to a child and share a smile with a stranger.