Linda Jo Mackey

Linda Jo Huddleston-Mackey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at San Simeon State Park. She was 76. Her sudden passing leaves a profound emptiness in the lives of her family and in the many communities, near and far, that were touched by her warmth, intelligence, humor, and boundless generosity of spirit. Linda Jo—known simply as “Jo,” like the character in *Little Women*—was born in Oakland, California, in June 1949. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Hanford, where she grew up on Porter Street and attended Jefferson Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson School, and Hanford High School, graduating in 1967. Even as a young woman, Linda distinguished herself through leadership and service, earning the Curved Bar Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, and participating in Job’s Daughters. She is survived by her devoted husband; their three children, Heather Jean, Matthew Duncan, and Robert Bruce; nine adored grandchildren; and her brother, Mark Huddleston. Linda met the love of her life on Christmas Day in 1967 in Hanford—an encounter that became, in their shared telling, “the best Christmas ever.” From that evening forward, the two were inseparable, beginning a partnership that would span continents, careers, parenthood, and nearly six decades of shared adventure. In her early adult years, Linda worked for the Bell Telephone Company, first in Hanford and later in Berkeley, where she also studied modeling and enjoyed success as a runway model. Beautiful, poised, and self-possessed, she carried herself with a confidence that never tipped into vanity. Her elegance was matched by a sharp mind, quick wit, and quiet kindness. In June 1971, Linda married her husband at Church of the Saviour in Hanford. Thus began her life as an Army wife—one she embraced fully and fearlessly. Through frequent moves, long separations, and overseas assignments, Linda adapted with grace and strength, raising their children largely on her own during deployments and foreign postings, and transforming unfamiliar places into loving homes. She lived with her family in Tunisia, Yemen, and Jordan, navigating cultural differences with respect and curiosity. Whether managing a household in a foreign language, befriending neighbors and staff, accompanying other women through pregnancy and medical care, or standing her ground with compassion and humor in the most unexpected moments, Linda met the world with courage and humanity. Linda was deeply committed to education and perseverance. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Columbus College in Georgia—attending seven colleges along the way—and was the first in her family to complete a four-year degree. Her determination became a quiet model for her children. Later, Linda embarked on a successful second career as a stockbroker, beginning with Raymond James Financial in Florida and continuing in Reno, Nevada. She was admired for her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for her clients—qualities that defined her in every role she assumed. After retiring to Hanford to care for aging parents, Linda devoted herself to service at home. She volunteered with hospice, supported the public library through Friends of the Library, served multiple terms on the Kings County Grand Jury, and remained an active reader, bridge player, and community participant. She was also a proud member of PEO Sisterhood, furthering educational opportunities for women. In 2023, Linda joined the Rotary Club of Hanford Sunset, and quickly found a new calling. She embraced Rotary as both service and family, and in July 2025 was elected Club President. Though her presidency was cut tragically short, her impact was lasting. She loved her Rotary family deeply, and they returned that love many times over. Above all else, Linda was a devoted mother and a fiercely loving grandmother. She championed her children and grandchildren with wisdom, humor, and unwavering support. There was no family challenge she would not meet head-on, and no one who came to her in need ever left unheard or unloved. Those who knew Linda often remarked that she seemed to have lived several lives in one: a California girl, a model, an Army wife, a diplomat’s partner, a professional advisor, a caregiver, a community leader, and finally, a Rotarian president. Yet through every chapter, she remained the same person—kind, capable, perceptive, and loving. In the days since her passing, her family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, stories, and gratitude from those whose lives Linda touched, sometimes briefly, sometimes profoundly. That legacy of quiet goodness and genuine connection is her enduring gift. Linda Jo Huddleston-Mackey was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Linda's life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Saviour on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Tributes

Linda Jo Mackey

June 19, 1949 - January 17, 2026