With love and gratitude for a remarkable life, we share the passing of Linda Kay Nelson, 82, who left this world on September 8, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, after an eighteen-month battle with cancer. She faced her illness with courage, grace, and faith, surrounded by the deep love of her family. (A Celebration of Life will be held on October 25, 2025 from 12-2. Details below)
Linda was born on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, to Melvin Howard and Alta Donna Lonctot. She grew up in Kirkland and Shoreline with her siblings, Melvin Dewitt Lonctot of Los Angeles (deceased) and Sue Koester of Trout Lake, WA.
She attended Lake Washington High School and graduated from Shoreline High School in 1961. Linda went on to the University of Washington, where she graduated in 1965 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. While at UW, she was an active member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and served as Standards Chairman for Panhellenic, a role that reflected her leadership and commitment to integrity.
Linda built a respected career as a dental hygienist, working for Dr. Harmon Adams on Bainbridge Island and Dr. David Branch in Seattle. She was admired for her professionalism, gentleness, and humor, qualities that left a lasting impression on her patients and colleagues alike.
Community and connection were at the center of Linda’s life. She was a longtime member of the Kitsap Quilters Guild, Poulsbo Yacht Club, Port Madison Yacht Club, and the Poulsbo Promenadors. Through these organizations, she cultivated lifelong friendships and countless shared memories.
Linda’s greatest creative passion was quilting. Over her lifetime, she lovingly created more than 150 quilts, each a work of art, now treasured by family and friends. Her quilts earned numerous awards and recognition, showcasing her artistry, patience, and attention to detail. But beyond the accolades, each quilt was an expression of her generosity that will continue to warm others for generations.
She also loved swing and square dancing, activities that filled her days with joy, laughter, and companionship. Her vibrant spirit made every gathering brighter, and she was often recognized by her beautiful smile that lit up any room she entered. After retiring and prior to settling in Mesa Arizona she and Chris travelled the United States in their RV, took many cruises to various worldwide destinations, and aspired for more that her health simply wouldn’t support. She and Chris were voted Homecoming King and Queen for the Senior Ball at Acoya Mesa where they lived among many friends.
Linda’s family was of great pride and joy. She is survived by her beloved husband, Chris Nelson, with whom she shared a lifetime of adventure and love, from Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo, WA, to their later years in Mesa, AZ.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Doug Nelson and his wife Karina of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Andrea Adams of Post Falls, ID; her grandchildren, Faith Adams, Kyle & Ari Nelson, Paul & Kaari Roeller, Konner Nelson, Madeline Nelson, Mallory Nelson, Anika Nelson, and Ariah Nelson; and her great-grandchild, Hazel Nelson. She is also survived by her sister Sue Koester, her brother-in-law Richard F. Krutch and wife Kay Krutch, and his children Bill and Robin Krutch.
Linda was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Dewitt Lonctot, Sister in law Noel Ann Krutch, and grandchild Chance Adams.
Linda lived by values of honesty, humor, compassion, kindness, hard work, and always have a positive outlook. She never procrastinated, embodying her favorite sayings: “Do it now,” and “Never put off for tomorrow what can be done today.” She often light-heartedly quoted, “Work, work, work, poverty, hunger, and dirt,” a reminder of her practicality and humor, a saying often heard from her father while growing up. Her favorite songs, “The Last Waltz” by Engelbert Humperdinck and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. These songs reflected her love and appreciation for life’s beauty.
Linda’s legacy will live on not only through her quilts and community contributions, but most importantly, through the love she had for her family and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and radiant smile.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, Arizona, for their exceptional compassion, comfort, and bedside care during Linda’s final week.
In Linda’s spirit, her family offers this closing sentiment: “See You Later, Not Goodbye. While she is gone from our sight, she lives on forever in our hearts and minds. She lives on in each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.”
The Celebration of Life which we shall coin “Linda Nelson’s Last Quilt Show” will be held on October 25, 2025 from 12-2 at 9440 Sportsman Club Club Road Suite 101 Bainbridge Island WA 98110. We will be displaying many quilts crafted by Linda while we enjoy each others company and food to be catered by Kachai Thai Kitchen.
