Herlinda Arredondo

We are sad to announce the passing of Herlinda (Linda) Arredondo of Ocala Florida, previously of South Houston Texas. Surrounded by her loving family, she died at the age of 74 on Dec 29, 2022 after a hard fought battle against interstitial lung disease.

Linda was born one of seven siblings to Isidrio and Georgia (Rodriguez) Garcia. She spoke fondly of her wonderful childhood which included time spent with a multitude of cousins, Sunday picnics and family baseball games. Family was the cornerstone of her life.

As an adult, Linda spent 30 years as a Food Service Manager for the Pasadena Independent School District and often spoke of how much she loved the job and working with what she called all of her “kids”. Many of them called her Mom and continued to do so long after she retired.

Retirement was an avenue to a new passion, and she went to work as a customer service representative for the Houston Astros, the Houston Rockets and the Houston Texans. Her winning smile drew people to her and she made many long lasting friends of co-workers and fans. It was said her smile would light up a room and brighten everyone’s day.

Retirement also offered Linda a chance to travel and travel she did. She visited France where she romped around Paris and was given a marriage proposal on top of the Eiffel Tower by her future Wife. She stood in the Colosseum in Rome and marveled at the wonder of the Parthenon in Greece. She cruised the waters around Hawaii and took a spectacular train ride through the Denali National Park in Alaska. She hiked the wonders of the Grand Canyon and saw the spectacular colors of the Smoky Mountains, the Upper East Coast of the USA and Canada in the fall.

Linda is survived by her Wife Dayna Landers, Daughter Cynthia Arredondo-McIntyre, Son Archie (Robin) Arredondo, Brother Raymond (Maria) Garcia, Sister Tiffany (Robert) Gomez, Sister Esther (Karen Tolar) Garcia, Granddaughter Telisa (Jon) Koros, Grandson Efrain Jr aka Bubba (Becka) Salinas, Grandson Caleb McIntyre, Granddaughters Rachel and Alexis Arredondo, four Great Grandchildren Xavier and Moses Salinas, River and Rowan Koros and her precious Pups Jasper and Bella.

Although she will be sorely missed, Linda received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This appointment brings a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a very long time. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be healthy, socializing, dancing, gardening, reading to her heart’s content and meeting up with the puppies at Rainbow Bridge who left before her.

Linda knew her time was coming and she left this world with dignity and grace, leaving all of us detailed instructions to live our lives to the fullest extent and remember her with happiness and joy. She promised that low adherence to this instruction would not be tolerated.

We want to let her know that she did a great job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family, friends, students and co-workers, many of whom over time also became friends. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of many. We invite you to join us and celebrate together.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Life Celebration will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 12PM – 4PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34480.

Family has asked that any donations in remembrance of Linda be sent to the ASPCA to help all animals in need. ASPCA Memorial Gifts at: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate?ms=wb_top_homepage-donate&initialms=wb_top_homepage-donate&pcode=WEBMEMBER&lpcode=WEBGUARD

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnOcala.com for the Arredondo family.