Comments on: Losing My Friend and Fellow Ditzy Chix, Linda Rice

By: Linda Jordan

Linda Jordan — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:10:37 +0000

Rona,
Discovered your wonderful tribute to Linda a little late but I think your words are wonderful. It’s difficult to express what Linda’s friendship meant to me, however, I feel a hole in my life since her passing. What started as a business relationship in 1983 grew into one of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. Linda is a person who I thought would always be in my life and I think of her every single day. I knew she was ill, but I always thought she would rally (wishful thinking) and I know she gave it her best. Our last few times together doing sleepovers (like a couple of kids) and playing Ultimate Rummy till we couldn’t keep our eyes open were just so much fun. She won almost every game! What a special person she is; I still feel her presence.

Linda J.

]]>

By: Carol Treat

Carol Treat — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:15:23 +0000

I am delighted to see such a wonderful tribute to the life of an extraordinary woman. Although I’ve worked for and with many professionals over the years, working for Linda has been the most memorable. With her diverse interests and zest for life, everyday was a new quest. She had the ability to make everyone feel “fabulous” with just a smile and a blink of those beautiful blue eyes. Quite and reserved in demeanor, I observed as she pursed her vision with extraordinary skill, clarity and compassion. Her courage in life is an example to us all. “May her memory and vision live on forever in those who loved her.”

Carol T.

]]>

By: Carole Birong

Carole Birong — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:22:56 +0000

Hello Rona, how nice to read your lovely tribute to Linda. How wonderful for you ladies to have that special relationship with each other. That is so very precious. I only met Linda in January at Issel’s Clinic in Santa Barbra. From our first meeting I felt drawn to her. I enjoyed our time talking and laughing together. And I was equally blessed when I met Fred and one of their daughters. I was very sad to hear from Fred of Linda’s passing. May the Lord richly bless you and all you do…Carole

]]>

By: Mary Ann Evans

Mary Ann Evans — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:35:04 +0000

Thank you Rona for the beautiful tribute to the sweetest dearest friend any of us will ever have. Linda and I have shared laughter, tears and joy for nearly 30 years as our children grew together and our lives took such parallel paths, even moving to the Valley the same month and year from our old neighborhood in Hope Ranch. When Linda became ill we both shared our struggle with breast cancer as we were diagnosed about the same time. Her love of life, family and beauty helped sustain me and we both became committed to live fully in the present moment. This disease did not defeat her spirit. She has been an inspiration to me with her courage and acceptance. I know that her gentle soul continues to surround those of us who will always love her. Thank you dear one for gracing my life these too few years. You will always remain in my heart.

Mary Ann E.

]]>

By: Kris Johnston

Kris Johnston — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:50:16 +0000

What a wonderful tribute to such a courageous and gracious woman. I only had the pleasure of meeting her when she was so ill, but she put on such a strong front. Said she would see me later when she felt better. Rest in peace. She will always be watching over her family and friends.

Kris J.

]]>

By: Daniel McNeet

Daniel McNeet — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:41:26 +0000

A Tribute to Our Lady of Sunstone

We scribes, the descendants of those who struggled with sharpened goose quills, black water and papyri, still struggle to inadequately describe clearly and fully what is not describable by any language.

How does one describe the ineffable Linda Rice?

If you will be kind enough to overlook my inadequacy and give me a chance I will try: Cheerful like sunrise which brings the gifts of light and warmth and like songbirds which bring the gifts of music and happiness, for she was goodness personified. Clichés should not be used for they are undignified. In her terminal pain she thought of others and arranged to help the less fortunate.

And, what is truly undignified is our society which allows one to die barbarically and torturously.

For as long as she is loved she is still alive. I will love her until I die.

Daniel M.

]]>

By: Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:56:05 +0000

Through the tears, the memories of magical, serious, hilarious, and everyday times with Linda help me see her spirit brightly today. Since we were in the 8th grade, we have been friends. Our most memorable times together were at College of the Desert – even then we were in awe our incredible adventures and what life gave us every day. I will never forget the day Fred moved into the same apartment building – I knew right away he was the one for Linda. And what a life and family they created together! Back then, and today, when I hear the song “Cielito Lindo”, I always change it to Cielito Linda – I love the refrain:

Ay, ay, ay, ay,
Canta y no llores,
Porque cantando se alegran,
Cielito lindo, los corazones

The translation:
Ay, ay, ay, ay,
sing and don’t cry,
heavenly one, for singing
gladdens the heart.

Yes, Linda you will be missed and your spirit will continue to grace us all. Ciao Bella!

Nancy S.

]]>

By: Marcy Simmons

Marcy Simmons — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:24:20 +0000

Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Linda. She was indeed special, as was your friendship. Tom and I visited Fred last year, and found out then about how sick she was. We were not able to visit her, as she was out and about–no doubt with her Ditzy Chix. What a woman! We have the Rice family in our hearts and prayers.
Marcy S.

]]>

By: Teri Harmon

Teri Harmon — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:24:05 +0000

Nice article about a wonderful neighbor and friend to all. Linda will be missed. Thank you Rona for letting everyone know how special she was!

Teri H.

]]>

By: Michael Scacco

Michael Scacco — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:22:51 +0000

As an old family friend, I was present that first night, you and Linda Rice co-chaired the annual fund raiser for the Santa Ynez Hospital. I sat there with Fred and Linda and Fred’s brother Rob and listened as you shared the compliments of the evening with dear Linda. She humbly accepted your kind words and seemed proud of what you had accomplished for the cause. Your blog was so beautiful that I am still wiping the tears away from my eyes. I felt every word and I admired your description of your very personal friendship. Thank you for sharing that with us. I will continue to pray for Linda’s soul and for Fred, Ashley, Brittany and Bion. I am sure they appreciated your loving words as well.

Michael S.

]]>