Linda Ann Johnson passed away on October 7, 2024, in Berkeley, CA at the age of 64 from residual effects from surgery in 2007 to remove a brain tumor. Born on December 7, 1959, in Falmouth, Maine, Linda was the daughter of Sally and Frank Johnson and the eldest sister to Sam and Elizabeth Johnson.

Linda graduated from Falmouth High School in 1978 and subsequently earned degrees from Bowdoin College and Boston University School of Journalism. To pursue her career in the music industry, she moved to New York City, where she met and married Tony Sabournin. After several years, they moved to Miami, Florida, where she gave birth to her son, Hugo, and continued working in the music industry. Following her divorce from Tony, Linda met, fell in love with and married Victor Pataca, and they moved to Stuart, Florida to be closer to Linda’s parents following their retirement. Linda and her family lived there until 2014. Following the discovery of her brain tumor, growing home health needs led to a move to Berkeley, CA. Linda and Victor shared a full life, spending every day together even after her physical capabilities declined. They celebrated their 25th anniversary this year.

Linda is survived by her husband, Victor Pataca; son, Hugo Sabournin; mother, Sally Johnson; brother, Samuel Johnson; sister, Elizabeth Johnson; and nieces and nephews, Maxwell, Grace, William, Anna Johnson, Emily and Jacob Kao. She was preceded in death by her father, Francis P. Johnson.

Linda was a beloved figure known for her vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to her passions. Specifically, Linda loved running, music and family. Her interest in running began as a teenager, inspired by fellow Mainer and Bowdoin alumnus, Joan Benoit Samuelson. Linda’s passion for running continued throughout her life, as she ran marathons annually until she could no longer. Linda’s passion for music started in junior high, with her love for Elton John and music in general. This motivated her to travel domestically to see Elton John concerts, to study abroad in the UK (to also see Elton John perform) and to pursue a career in music. Her passion for music took her from wandering around record stores as a teenager to eventually working for Billboard magazine in New York City, her dream job. Her deep love and passion for her family were seen daily in how she loved her husband and son -- she loved her family so much and that love fueled her fight to live over the last few years.

She was a force of nature, intelligent, humorous, focused, hardworking, and remarkably stubborn. Her strong-willed approach to life resulted in her living fully and loving deeply, positively impacting everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. In her later years, Linda was cared for by a team of caregivers who came to love Linda and devoted their days to making sure she was well cared for and having fun. Linda’s charisma and sense of humor allowed her to make friends and form deep connections throughout her entire life.

Linda’s life was a testament to her strong will and the deep bonds she forged with her family and friends. Her legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center’s Division of Palliative Medicine, as they supported Linda’s medical needs for the last several years. Please use the link below:

https://givingtogether.ucsf.e…

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