LINDA LOUISE "LOU" GALAN (nee) HEATH
February 13, 1942 - October 5, 2021
Residence: Sebastopol, California
Linda "Lou" Heath passed away peacefully in her home on October 5, 2021. Linda was born in San Diego, California. She was an alumna of Palo Alto High School and continued to enjoy friendships with graduates of her class of 1958. She looked forward to and participated in many class reunions. Linda attended UC Santa Barbara for two years, then transferred to the University of Oregon, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology at San Jose State University. Linda's career spanned 35 years where she worked in both Jefferson and San Mateo Union High School Districts. Linda traveled throughout the districts to various high schools where she was highly respected for her skills, and even more-so for being a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of students.
Linda was an adventurer and traveled the world, especially enjoying Europe. She sharpened her French language skills and was able to converse freely. In her retirement Linda moved to Sebastopol, where she reveled in baking, gardening and singing with friends in the Love Choir. Linda's baking skills were put to good and frequent use, by fund-raising for Mr. Music's elementary school programs. Her garden often overflowed with fruits and vegetables which Linda generously shared. Every member of her family looked forward to her home-made applesauce, jams and delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Linda is survived by her son, Phillip Heath; daughters, Janine Elliott (Brian); grandsons Andrew & Ryan, Jeanette Hileman (Eric); granddaughter, Elise and grandson Danny Hileman (Rachel) and great-grandchildren, Heidi, Nicholas & Bradley, her sister Terri (Galan) Goldberg, three nieces, a nephew and many others in her large extended family. Linda treasured her special friendship with Phillip Henderson.
Linda was a beacon of light to her family & friends as well as strangers, because with Linda you were only a stranger once. Her loving smile and positive attitude will forever live in our hearts.
A service of remembrance was held on November 6, 2021 at Linda's home in Sebastopol.
Donald A. McPhail (1958)
This was a shock and a great loss. Linda was one of the true sources of positive energy in this world, sharing her love of people, music, food and friends. She always participated in our Paly '58 Reunions and added great joy to the gatherings. We will miss her.
Don McPhail & Gretchen Ransler McPhail
Thelma Ruzicka (Tuttle) (1958)
Linda was a true Patriot and a wonderful person. I will miss her smile and Insight. Rest In Peace.
Thelma Ruzicka Tuttle Class of '58
Terri J. Galan (Goldberg) (1960)
Family address is 7592 Elphick Road, Sebastopol, CA 75472. Or you may contact Linda's sister, Terri (Paly '60) at terrigoldberg@sbcglobal.net
Adrienne ("Pepper") Andrews (Glenn) (1958)
Adrienne ("Pepper" then) Andrews Glenn, Denver, Colorado: On the first day of school at David Starr Jordan Jr. High as 7th graders, Linda came up to me and said, "You're a new student here, aren't you? Would you like to have lunch with my friends and me?" Having arrived from Modesto shortly before, I was amazed that Linda was so welcoming! I have never forgotten her open and generous spirit, and reminded her of the incident at our 50th high school reunion.
Terri J. Galan (Goldberg) (1960)
Thank you for sharing that memory. Sounds just like Linda to welcome a new student. Throughout her life, Linda was known for her openness and reaching out to others. (Terri)