By reporter Steven Smalley
One of Magnolia Thriftway’s long-time employees, known for her smile and kind words, has died.
Linda Gail Williams, a customer service associate at the store for the last 11 years, passed away Feb. 6, days after suffering an aneurysm, according to a staff member at Thriftway. She was 62.?An excerpt from her obituary In the Seattle Times reads:
Linda’s mission in life was to help people. To nurture them and make them happy. She was happiest when she could make her family and friends happy.
Customers and employees alike were? touched by Linda’s kindness. The news of her passing came as a surprise.
“We watch customers read the notice and you see the shock,” remarked a Thriftway employee. “She took customers one at a time and made sure those people had a good experience.”? It was requested employees names not be used because it is against company policy to speak with press.
A memory book at the store contains many positive comments from customers.? One wrote:
Linda was a wonderful person and I enjoyed interacting with her every time I shopped at Thriftway. She will long be remembered for her humor, positive outlook and warmth. She will be missed!
Customers are invited to gather at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien, this Saturday, Feb. 18, 1-4 p.m. to celebrate her life.
I was so sad to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a kind and wonderful person. My thoughts go out to her family and loved ones. You will be missed Linda.?
Learning today that Linda had passed broke my heart. I have shopped at the Magnolia Thrifway for 15 years and Linda was part of that process. Going there today seemed empty, not the same place I have know for all this time. “Hey Linda..what do you think about the Mariners doing this?” I helped her with her Mariner train give away, and looked forward to seeing her at the check out lanes. Magnolia Thriftway will never be the same for me. Linda…”get out the rye bread and mustard Grandma…it’s Grand Salumy time.” I miss you already!!
Awwww…such sad news. Linda was always a bright spot in my day whenever I was shopping. I’m so shocked. She was too young and she’ll be missed….
Wow! So sad. I’ve shopped there for almost 10 years. I knew her but didn’t know her, and today that makes me very sad.? She was always so so friendly.
One of the best people I ever worked with. I will always remember her and her mariner earrings:)
Hello everyone, this is Linda’s daughter Niki! I went to the store today and saw here sign “Linda’s Lane” how great is that!!! I want to thank everyone who knew my mom, she is the best mom I could ever have. I will miss her soooo much!!! I love you mom
My whole family loves Linda. Tons and tons!
And because Linda treated us like family (from the beginning- years ago)? we couldn’t help just naturally responding back to her with that warm, comfortable, good-natured spirit that was such a core part of her.
Linda is one of those benevolent people who makes life better for others – simply, humbly, with incredible grace – not by what she does, but because of who she is. She will remain for me a bright model of human decency and love – and I won’t forget her easy laugh, her kindness, and her incredible ability to connect and be present.
We are? blessed to have known Linda for so long. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit live strong in all her friends and family.
Greg, Susan, Sam and Bubba