Linda B. Friend

Linda (Jolie) B. Friend

Linda (Jolie) B. Friend, 74, passed away in her sleep on May 24, 2014. Born in Youngstown Ohio, to Rev. and Mrs. John Botty, she lived on Mercer Island, WA, since 1971. In 1967 she married Seattle native, Dr. William G. Friend, a surgeon in Seattle.

Linda earned a B.A. at Oberlin College in 1961 and a Masters of Social Work at New York University in 1963 as a National Institute of Mental Health Scholar and Outstanding Graduate. Her social work career was in the field of medical social work in New York where she was on the Faculty of Columbia University’s Social Work School as a Field Instructor before retiring to have her family.

In Seattle Linda continued her career on the local, state and national levels as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Alumni Association of Oberlin College, the United Nations Association, Seattle International Film Festival and the PTA while receiving multiple awards for her services. An avid reader and supporter of the arts, Linda had a deep love and enthusiastic curiosity for cinema and music. Throughout her life she pursued a quest to stay informed about our changing world from an historical, sociological and humanitarian perspective.

Devoted to her family, Linda is survived by her husband Dr. William G. Friend and two daughters, Leslie Ilany of Armonk, NY, and Deborah Friend Haynes of Mercer Island, WA. She also leaves her sons-in-law, Dan Ilany and Scott Haynes, and five beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Sarah and Nathan Ilany, and Benjamin and Caroline Capuano. Her sister Beebe Freitas lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Remembrances may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the ASPCA or your charity of choice. Please visit the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.