Linda Howson Switalski

Our mother passed away in her home of 52 years on May 26th with her sons William and Paul at her side. Born in Columbus, OH on February 8, 1939, she was the daughter of Col. L.B. and Velma Howson. As her father was a career U.S. Army Officer, her early years were spent in numerous locales including Miami, San Francisco, San Antonio, and Ft. Devens, MA. After the war, during the occupation and reconstruction of Japan, Mom had the privilege of living in Tokyo while our grandfather served as the finance officer of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Arriving in Tampa in 1951, she attended Wilson Jr. High and was a very proud member of the Class of ‘57 at Plant High, and remained an active alumna. Awarded her Bachelor degree in Education and English in 1962 from the University of Florida, she returned to teach at Wilson and the “New” Robinson High where she taught senior English.

While at a Christmas party in 1962, Mom was introduced to William Joseph Switalski. They wed and remained a couple for 44 years. They raised their three sons to value education, self-reliance, and responsibility.

Mom is survived by her sons, William, David (Kim), and Paul (Katie), and grandchildren, Caitlin Muñoz (Jon), Charles, Gracie, Lilah, and Cecile. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and grandson, John William.

In the 1970’s, Mom brought the dance troupe The Tamburitzans to Tampa. Many summers were spent with her family in Acapulco and weekends with Bill in New Orleans. Later, she was a paralegal in Bill’s law firm. Mom was active in the RCIA ministry at Christ the King Catholic Church and a former member of the Tampa Women’s Club and the Beach Park Garden Club.

There will be a gathering at Blount & Curry MacDill Chapel on Sunday, June 6th from 4 to 6 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 7th at Christ the King. Entombment will follow at noon at Garden of Memories Cemetery. As Mom enjoyed beautiful blooms, flowers will be accepted.