Linda Rae Hammond

Linda Love Hammond, 85, of Berkeley and San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Linda was born on October 27, 1940, in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone, to Raymond C. Love, a career Navy father, and Viola J. Erdman Love. Because of Ray’s service, Linda spent her childhood moving frequently and attended schools in Florida, Guam, Maryland, Japan, San Diego, and La Mesa, California. She graduated from Helix High School in La Mesa, class of 1958. After a short time at San Diego State College, Linda began working at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. She later worked at the Naval Electronics Laboratory where she met her husband of 61 years, John Hammond.

Linda and John raised their two daughters, Jeanne and Michele, in Bonita, California. When Linda’s daughters entered high school, she returned to San Diego State University to complete her degree. Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies with a minor in Native American Studies and went on to work for the San Diego County Public Libraries. She worked at libraries in Bonita, El Cajon, and Casa de Oro, serving her community with dedication and warmth, responsible for joyful and engaging children's programming.

Linda and John moved to Berkeley in 2004 to be closer to family and help raise their grandchildren. Linda was devoted to her three grandchildren, Mikaela, Rowan, and Sylvie,

and delighted in treating them to pastries, ice cream, and other delights most afternoons after school. She loved nurturing their creativity through crafts and stories, sharing her imagination and patience in equal measure - especially when riding the Tilden carousel with them again and again… and again. An avid reader throughout her life, Linda enjoyed books of all kinds, but was especially drawn to biographies. She was curious about the lives and journeys of others and loved to share what she learned.

Linda will be remembered for always making her home warm and inviting to family and friends. Her steadiness, generosity, joy, and silliness found in the everyday moments of life shaped the lives of those around her. Linda enjoyed dancing, music and laughter to the very end. She is survived by her beloved husband, John; her daughters, Jeanne and Michele; son-in-law Jeremiah Holland, her three grandchildren, Mikaela, Rowan, and Sylvie; and her two granddogs Pino and Moose.