Linda (Oakland) Boyle

Linda Marie (Oakland) Boyle is a beloved and cherished Nana, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Child Caregiver, Hospice Nurse and Best Friend.  

Linda was born on July 19, 1952 in Postville, Iowa. She was baptized on September 21, 1952 at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa and confirmed April 3, 1966 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA.

Linda lived a life devoted to service, family and protecting others dignity especially those most in need.

Linda was born in rural Iowa, the youngest of 10 children to Martin Oakland and Irene Anna (Tinderholt) Oakland.  

In 1971 she graduated from North High school (West Union, Ia) and completed nursing school at Kirkwood (Cedar Rapids, Ia) in 1971.  

In 1972 she became a US Navy wife and nurse traveling the world.  While based in Norfolk, Virginia her first son (Mike) was born in 1975.  

After moving to Ames, Iowa in 1977, her two youngest children Bobby (1978) and Jenny (1981) were born.  Linda’s children were raised in Ames and Gilbert, Iowa.

She also had an in-home child care which served many families that she cherishes and dearly loves.  For many, she was considered a second mom.  She took great joy in being involved in their lives as they progressed through their own milestones of marriages, births, graduations and careers.  Her love extends to all living creatures.

As a mother, Linda always showed up. Whether attending events (soccer, football, six-on-six basketball, Campfire, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Sunday School), preparing for life’s many decisions and milestones, or simply lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Linda is her children’s number one cheerleader always putting them first.

Linda was a cheerleader to many others as well – extending her compassion and empathy to her friends, co-workers, patients and extensive family network of cousins, nieces and nephews during good times and bad.  She gave her love and support unconditionally.  

Linda’s work as a hospice nurse touched hundreds of people's’ lives in both inner cities and rural areas in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.  Linda’s delicate strength provided beauty, advocacy, and hope to her patients while they progressed through the most difficult times in their lives. This care was guided by her compassion, spirituality and faith in people.

Prior to retiring to California, Linda welcomed three grandsons – Carson (son of Bobby) in 2010, Evan (son of Mike) in 2012 and Easton (son of Bobby) in 2013.  Linda was able to create countless precious moments with her beloved grandkids in MN, IA and CA.  She loves her kids and grandkids and expressed her adoration, support and love daily.

Linda passed peacefully surrounded by her loving children in San Francisco, California on Friday, April 17th 2015.

Linda is survived by her adoring grandsons Carson, Evan and Easton;  beloved children Mike (Janel), Bobby (Jen), Jenny; Don Boyle; siblings Vernon Oakland, Janice Knox, David Oakland, Doris Miller, Dale Oakland; family and friends.

Linda is preceded in death by her mother Irene Anna (Tinderholt) Oakland and father Martin Oakland; brothers Marvin Oakland, Norman Oakland, Gerald Oakland and Ronnie Oakland.

A celebration of Linda's life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA on Friday, May 22nd at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, family encourages simple devotions of time to serve others such as reading books to children, walking or volunteering for causes, or visiting someone in need.  These are Linda’s greatest passions.       19u19