Linda Williams

Linda Williams was born in Sunrise, Wyoming on August 5, 1941. She died on December 13, 2024 with Frank and loved ones by her side.

At the end of her life she had expressed the hope that her life journey would be an inspiration to others with chronic illness. She expressed a desire for peace and no more pain.

She and husband Ed Guilford, moved from Colorado to Tucson in 1963, bringing their parents and many other family with them. Having a life time interest in health care, she ultimately became Director of Medical Records both at St. Joseph Hospital and Tucson Medical Center and was very active in healthcare leadership development and training .

In 1973, Linda was diagnosed with early onset, Type I diabetes. This diagnosis would alter, shape, and create her future, but she never relinquished control to it. In her own words, for over 50 years, she would say it was her choice to live in and with deep Faith and not fear.

At that time she and Ed welcomed adopted daughters Jennifer and Sara. These were most joyous moments, she would say. Having to end her career in healthcare early due to physical constraints, Linda never slowed down. For nearly two decades she was camped at swim meets and soccer fields with her daughters. A significant purchase of an RV in the early 80’s would lead her and the girls all over Mexico to Northern Wyoming and everywhere in between. Every chance she got was an adventure to be had with the girls, family,

Linda and her soul mate Frank, were married in 1997. Never to sit idle, or let physical limitations define her, she immersed herself in volunteering, a deep spiritual journey and work with social causes she and Frank would share. Linda was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Tucson Divorce Recovery program for which she was awarded the JC Penny Volunteer of the year award from the Tucson Volunteer Center and she and Frank were co-Directors of the Tacheria Interfaith Spirituality School of Spiritual Direction. For years, she held spiritual direction groups and provided individual spiritual direction for so many.

The dearest of friends, Sufi Muslim Imam Jamal Rahman wrote, “Sister Linda was a saint filled to the brim with love, kindness, generosity, and graciousness. The beauty, innocence, and sacredness of her smile is stamped in my memory.” Thoughts echoed by so many.

Linda lived a very brave, very passionate, very committed life. A true warrior, a “lioness”, it was filtered through all shades of beautiful purple, books, stunning altars, her love for Frank, their work together and connection to beloved, spiritually bound friends.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband Frank, her daughters, Jennifer (Guilford) Kierstead; Sara (Guliford) White (Mike); her grandchildren Drayce, Jax, and Amelia; step children Kristine, David (Lesley) and step granddaughter, Ava; her brother Gary White; nieces and nephews Skylar, Spencer, Kristine, Mark, and Gary; and countless extended family.

The family wants to thank her caregiver, Silvia Hernandez, for her gentle loving care for the past two years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on (January 18 at 10:00 AM at St Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell.)

Linda and family have asked that gifts in her memory be given to:

Sister José Women's Center
1050 S. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719
(520) 909-3905