Linda Szakalski

Linda Joyce Szakalski, 72 of Paso Robles and Oakland, California, passed away on February 23, 2023, due to complications from Paraplegia, a condition she endured with a brave and positive attitude since June of 2020.

Linda was born on June 21, 1950, in Oakland, California. Her parents were Corrine and Michael Szakalski. She was raised by her remarkable mother, Corrine Kysella. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1968. She trained in dental assisting. She worked as a dental assistant. Then she and her family and friends founded a flower shop in Alameda, California. She was an extremely talented floral designer, a talent she carried to the end. She was a talented manager – many of her employees remained friends throughout her life. She sold the flower shop and went back to the dental world, working as the office manager for Dr. Curt Brohard in Alameda, California.

She met Rusty through the auspices of a friend and cooking teacher. After a lengthy relationship, they married in 1998. After purchasing a home in Paso Robles in 2004, Linda continued to commute to Oakland to work and to spend time with her mother. She finally retired in 2012. She embraced her home in Traditions, a retirement community in Paso Robles, demonstrating a talent for interior design. She became a stalwart member of the Traditions Social Committee, showing her management, communication, and planning skills she had honed over the years. She and Rusty traveled and saw much before and after her retirement. Italy and Yosemite were her favorite destinations. She was a first-class chef and cook – specializing in Italian foods, but knowledgeable in many genres.

Linda was a woman whose radiant warmth enabled her to make lasting relationships with others. All who knew her are thankful for her friendship to this day. A close-knit group of friends from elementary school, middle school, and high school still exists sixty years later. She influenced people.

Linda was predeceased by her mother, Corrine Kysella. She is survived by her husband. Rusty Humphrey, Paso Robles. By her brother, Robert Szakalski, and his wife, Alberta, of Fremont, and their two children Daniel and David. By her sister, Valerie Kysella of Manteca, and her children, David Escatel, Sarah Escatel, and Nicholas Castillo Kysella. David and Janet Escatel have two children, Joseph, and Danielle. There are two dear Godchildren - Kendra Pollard of San Ramon and Austin Allen of Roseville, California. Kendra and Marc Pollard have two children, Nicklaus and Sofia. There are numerous friends and their children who were touched by Linda’s love and affection, too numerous to mention here.

Her ashes will be scattered at Yosemite when the weather allows. A celebration of her life will be held at Graveyard Vineyards in San Miguel, California. In lieu of flowers, we request donations to Yosemite Conservancy, ASPCA, and Toys for Tots, which were some of her favorite (of many) charities.