Linda Jean Grosso

Linda was born December 25, 1942 in Coos Bay, Oregon to Randall and Janet Buckingham. She passed away, peacefully in her sleep, August 18, 2024 in North Bend, Oregon.

Education was important to Linda. She graduated from Marshfield High School in 1960, attended University of Oregon, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Finally, she received her master’s degree in education from Oregon State University. She also was trained and certified by the Kellogg Institute at UNC Boone in implementing different methods of instruction for different types of learners.

Linda taught school in Alberta, Canada for a number of years. While there, she married Daniel Grosso on March 17, 1967. However, she lived the majority of her life in Coos Bay and was employed by Southwestern Community College for 25+ years. Her first job involved teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants in the early 1970s. When she retired she had a full professorate, and had worked as an administrator in the Adult Basic Education Department.  She always preferred teaching over paperwork!

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Coos Bay from 1971 to the sale of land to the Coos Bay Fire Department. During her time, Linda also served as a church officer many times. She was instrumental in using the funds from the sale to create a scholarship for non-traditional students at SWOCC.

Linda visited all 50 states in her lifetime. She was a passionate quilter and sewer, an avid reader and fluent in French and English. She also loved Oregon History.

Linda is survived by her sons, Dwight Grosso of Olympia, Washington; Jason Grosso of North Bend, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Laine of Olympia, Washington; grandchildren, Vix and Lauren Grosso of Olympia, Washington; two brothers, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Randall Buckingham; mother, Janet Buckingham and step-father, Rudolph “Rudy” Buselmeier.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com. The family will have a private memorial at a later time.

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