Linda Ann McCoy-Reeder

Linda, who was known to so many as “Grandma” on the softball fields, baseball fields and around the school playground, reunited with some of her family in heaven as she unexpectedly passed away in her home on Sunday October 9, 2022. She was 70 years old. She joined her beloved husband, Timothy McCoy, her parents Alfred and Annadell Caton and all of the pets she loved so very much; especially her labradoodle, Kayla “Kay-Kay”.

Born in Lakeport, California in 1952 to Alfred and Annadell Caton (who only knew each other 5 days before they married), Linda later moved to Daly City with her parents and brother Wayne Caton. She attended South San Francisco High School before transferring to Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, CA. Linda was her brothers biggest fan and always wore sweatshirts that read “that's my brother #75” and then the following year when he changed positions and changed numbers (#64, #30) her sweatshirt would also change to continue supporting him. She also played field hockey growing up.

Linda met her husband, Tim McCoy at their Hillsdale High School Grad Night in 1970. They fell in love and married in June of 1971, almost one year to their first date. Tim and Linda were married for 35 years before he passed away in 2006 from small cell lung-cancer.

Linda was the mother of three children; Christie McCoy, Jonathan McCoy and Melissa Hunkin (McCoy). She raised her children to be humble, kind, and full of love and gratitude. In addition to her children she was blessed with seven grandchildren: Trevor (27), Ryan (20), Aidan (14), Evan (12), Addison (10), Amelia (10), Peyton (10), and three great-grandchildren: Isla (6), Eisley (2) and Odinn (newborn).

Linda was a hair-stylist by trade, but also enjoyed working at the local Safeway as a grocery checker. She loved customer service and during the holiday season you could often spot her in the gift wrapping station at Talbots Toystore in San Mateo. Linda was also the co-owner of Bailey Rug and Upholstery Cleaners for many years with her husband Tim, however her true passion was being a homemaker and raising her children. All of her children's friends were also a very large part of her life. She created an open door to any and all who walked through. Her home was filled with love, safety, fun and was sometimes a little crazy, too.

While her children were in elementary school she served as an active member of the PTA, a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Softball Manager, Soccer Manager and Baseball Manager.

When she was not at home you would find her on a sports field as a manager, coach, scorekeeper and fan. She created opportunities for girls in the local softball community by co-founding The George Feely Classic Softball Tournament which ran in San Mateo for nearly 30 years. Linda, and her late husband Tim, produced the tournament Snack Bar which was anything but your standard hotdogs and nachos! The local neighborhood looked forward to the tournament for the incredible food they offered. She was very active in San Mateo Bobby Sox as a fundraising/uniform and sponsor coordinator, as well as a collaborator of the weekly published newsletter, Over the Fence.

Linda was one of the creators of what is now known as “The Big Game”, a rival softball game between Aragon and Hillsdale High School. The game was created to showcase all of the local high school players who played in the San Mateo Bobby Sox (now, San Mateo Youth Softball Association). The first game in 1991, brought a crowd of over 2,500 fans to Chanteloup Field in San Mateo as pitchers Christie McCoy and Maureen Brady hurled fastballs. The game still lives on today as a long, on-going tradition between both high schools, which also serves as both of their Senior Nights.

In the early 1990’s she co-founded a travel softball organization called The San Mateo Blitz. It was a team created with all of the best players from San Mateo County who played summer travel ball which toured Northern, CA. The team was one of only two softball travel teams on the Peninsula.

Tim and Linda retired early and moved to Las Vegas. Shortly after the move, Tim passed away and Linda remained in Las Vegas with her family. After time, she returned to the grocery industry where she met her husband, Michael Reeder. She was fortunate to travel the world with Michael and went on many glorious trips.

Post retirement, Linda joined Old River Elementary in Discovery Bay, CA where she served as a para educator for a few years. She loved working with all of the children at the school. She always came home feeling fulfilled with her day and being involved in enriching the lives of the youth.

Her hobbies included crafting, gardening, traveling, reading, bird feeding, watching romantic movies, pets and her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her husband Michael Reeder; daughter Christie of San Mateo, son Jonathan and his wife Tamara of San Bruno, and daughter Melissa and her husband Leo of Discovery Bay. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, her brother Wayne and his wife Susan of San Carlos. She was preceded in death by her husband Timothy McCoy (d.2006) and her parents Alfred and Annadell Caton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday November 20, 2022 at The Burlingame Community Center on Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA. The celebration will begin at 1pm. All are welcome.

Please RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/LindaMcCoyReeder

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to The San Mateo Youth Softball Association (www.smysa.net)