"Dear Joe, Martha, and Sarah, My heart goes out to you on your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I was privileged to know her through my friendship with you, Sarah. You will be in my prayers in the days and months to come.Much love,Brena (Peters) Bruner"
In loving memory of
Linda Jean Beattie
May 28, 1932 - March 23, 2011
Linda Jean Beattie, ne LuskLinda Lusk was born on May 28, 1932, to Fred Edward Lusk and Martha Lusk, ne Raines, of Shreveport, Caddo County, Louisiana. With her younger brother, Fred Jr., she grew up on 14th Street in Seal Beach, California, where her father was a chemist with Dow. She graduated from Huntington Beach Union High School in 1950. She went on to graduate from Stanford University with a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1954. She earned her certification in general secondary education and completed all but her thesis toward an M.A. in U.S. history at San Jose State. She taught several years at Live Oak Union High School in Morgan Hill and at John Muir High School in Pasadena. She was introduced to James Ramsey Beattie by her childhood friend Marilyn Caraway (ne Dean). They were married at Belmont Heights Methodist Church on Feb. 20, 1960. Together they reared three children: Martha Alice, Joseph Werner and Sarah Catherine. Predeceased by her husband in 1997, she is survived by her brother, her children and seven grandchildren: Nicole, Samantha, Alexis, Morgan, Travis, Stuart and Madeleine.Eligible to be a Daughter of the Revolution (not to mention a Daughter of the Confederacy), Linda was a lifetime student of history and a dedicated family genealogist. Notable ancestors include John Howland and Francis Scott Key. (Notorious ancestors are too numerous to name.) In her last quarter century, she was a supporting member of North Hills Church in Brea, California, and a diligent contributor in organizing Huntington Beach Union High School reunions. Linda had advanced Alzheimer's disease. In late February she fell, sustaining an impact hip fracture. The injury was relatively minor, and because she had been otherwise strong and hearty prior to the fall, rehabilitative therapy was attempted. However, after about 15 days of therapy, it was felt that she was not going to benefit from rehab, and in fact was immediately judged Hospice-ready. We were all pleased that she was finally able to return to her room at Aegis Chino Hills (San Bernardino County) on Sunday, March 20th, where she had been known and loved by the staff for over three years. The Hospice nurses and Aegis staff worked hard to make her comfortable and the family was with her all day on the 23rd as her breathing gently slowed. She passed peacefully at 4:09 p.m.An intensely private person, Linda was nevertheless warm, wry-humored, loving and generous. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. A viewing will be held Friday, April 1, from 4-8 p.m. at White-Emerson Mortuary in Whittier, California (13304 Philadelphia Street; Whittier, CA 90602; 562-698-0304; http://www.whiteemerson.com).A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea, California. (455 West Central Avenue, Brea, CA 92821-3086; 562-694-657; Get directions) A reception will follow.In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if remembrances were directed to North Hills Church in Brea, California, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Tributes
"I loved Lindas smile and love for her kids and grandkids. She always had a quick wit and a smile. Always ready to share a positive word about her kids and grandkids. Most of all I thank her for giving me the most amazing gift anyone could have.....a best friend ( her daughter Martha) My mother always had a special bond with Linda, because she knew she loved her kids more than anything, and was never caught up in the look at how I am....or what I have done She was too busy trying to help her kids, loving them and helping them to become the amazing adults they now are."
"I was so impressed with her life, reading her obituary. sorry we have not kept in touch. God be with you, and give you peace. Denise"
"I loved Linda -or Mrs. Beattie, as I always referred to her. I was only 23 when I began teaching Martha, then Joe, then Sarah. I watched the football games with her and her feisty and darling, Mr. Beattie and we laughed a lot together. I always appreciated her support and practical wisdom. She was one of the few parents who kept up with me all these years after marriage and raising my own family. She was greatly loved! Miss Moore , Sue Moore Donaldson"
"When Linda started teaching at Live Oak High School, there were about five of us single people who sort of hung around together and gave each other a lift when we needed it, but at the same time we had some great fun together. However, she was always the more serious one. One year, on Halloween Betty and I dressed up and tried scaring her as she lived in a small house alone in the middle of an orchard in town. She was wise, as she knew right away that it was the two of us up to no good. I will miss hearing about your family each Christmas. Kiki"