Linda Luna Duffy

A truly extraordinary woman, Linda Luna Duffy, passed away July 5, 2017 in San Antonio. She was a lifelong resident of San Antonio, Texas, born to Rudy and Peggy Luna, on March 30, 1957. She graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1976, and obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After completing her education, Linda began a remarkable 35-year career as a special needs teacher in the Alamo Heights Independent School District.

Linda's philosophy as a teacher was to always help others understand that it does not take a special person to teach special needs children, but rather a person who believes that all children have the capacity to learn. In 2000, Linda was awarded the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching from Trinity University and she was the Texas Regional Teacher of the Year. In 2001, she was chosen the Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas' nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.

May 18th, 2015, Linda was diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Knowing the road that lay ahead, Linda, her family, and many of the children and families whose lives she enriched, all became active in the San Antonio chapter of the ALS Association of Texas. Known as "Linda's League" her many supporters where there to help her through her difficult journey, and together, raised over $45,000 to honor her during the "Walk to Defeat ALS." Linda became involved in ALS TDI and traveled to Boston to take part in studies that would not provide any benefit for her but would one-day help find a cure for others suffering from ALS.

She enjoyed working outdoors and took a lot of pride in her home and garden. Her backyard was a little piece of paradise that she enjoyed sharing with those she loved. Linda will be remembered as a wonderful colleague, exceptional daughter, nurturing sister, compassionate devoted mom, and a loving wife.

Linda was preceded in death by her infant sister, Loretta Luna. Linda is survived by her parents; her beloved and dedicated husband of 12 years, David Duffy; sons, Douglas DeMino and Matthew DeMino; brother, Rudy Luna Jr. and his wife, Cindy with their children, Ryan and Ross Luna; brother, Phillip Luna and his children, Lauren and Aidan Luna; sister, Marisol Deluna and her husband, Jonathan Cole; sister, Laura Wilcox and her children, Charlie, Noah, and Zoey Wilcox.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2017

1:00PM

ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

825 E. BASSE ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX

Pastor Charlie Simons will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SA Life Academy, ALS ONE (Whitman, MA), Marisol Deluna Foundation – Linda Luna Duffy Creative Hope Initiative.