Linda Kendall Martinez

Linda Kendall Martinez, age 71, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. Born September 15, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH, Linda is the wife of Marvin Wayne Martinez Jr, and was the daughter of the late Robert Louis Kendall and Mary Fey Kendall.

Linda graduated from Saint Cecilia High School, class of 1971, in Nashville. Later, Linda graduated from Nashville State Technical Institute followed by the University of Evansville with degrees in chemical engineering. Linda began working at a young age, and decided to try many different things. When working in Evansville, Linda worked at Mead-Johnson on infant formula antigenicity. Linda worked at Vanderbilt University doing diabetes/DNA research. Not to be tied to one profession, Linda decided to begin a career in sales at TW Wilson food brokerage followed by L. Karp and Sons baking supplies; while at the latter getting her baking certificate from the American Institute of Baking. Once again, the winds of change called Linda, when she decided to open up her own bakery and catering business. Linda continued to change her professions until retiring to enjoy life outside of work.

In a world where Linda could be anything, she chose to be loving, kind, generous, and honest. She also chose to be an amazing wife and the best mother ever. Linda loved to laugh, and her smile and sense of humour would light up a room.

Linda found joy in many things; baking, cooking, reading, gardening, and conversation. Her real passion was her loved ones, including her dogs. Travel brought great joy with trips to destinations around half the world. Linda loved music by many different artists including Tina Turner, Elton John, The Beatles, the Travelling Wilburys, and most of the Motown artists.

Linda is survived by her husband Wayne; daughters Laura (Jeff) and Katrina; and sons Sam, Zach, and Alec; granddaughter Aurora; and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces; and friends Olga and Mark.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Mary Kendall; her brothers Rick (Claudean), Gerry, Bob, and Joe Kendall.

Linda’s family and friends will forever remember her for boundless love, delicious food, hand crafted jewelry, humor, laughter, dignity, and strength.

A gathering of family & friends for Linda will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marshall- Donnelly- Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203.