Linda Lou Tabanao

August 29, 1944 - June 29, 2023

SAN DIEGO — Linda Lou Tabanao (née Proctor) was born on August 29, 1944 in Burbank, California to Chloe Luella and Marlan Alton Proctor Sr. Her fondest childhood memories included her favorite grey tabby cat, Fridet, taking family trips to Avila Beach and Catalina, and having fun with her best friend Sharon. She graduated with Honors from Burbank High in 1962. She went to college at UC Santa Barbara where she earned her BA in Sociology in 1966. She then earned her Elementary Teaching Credential from UCSB in 1967. It was during this time that she met her husband, Art Tabanao, whom she was married to for 56 years.

After graduation, Linda and Art made their home in San Diego, CA where they raised their son and daughter. Linda taught first grade in the San Diego Unified School District for 30 years, making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students, while also enjoying time with her 2 children, dogs, cats, rabbits, and planting and tending to her gardens. Summers were spent at the beach and camping as a family in national parks, she particularly loved

Yosemite.

Linda was a dedicated lifelong learner, earning her Master of Arts in Education and several holistic healthcare practitioner certifications. She enjoyed learning about and practicing massage, reiki, and energy healing techniques. She made lifelong friendships during this time. After retiring from teaching, Linda and Art spent over 20 years together on Maui, Hawaii, grateful for the tropical weather, Aloha, meaningful friendships and visits from their children and granddaughter Sierra.

Linda was loving, caring, independent, dedicated, and shared a strength and warm-heartedness with her family, friends, students, and animals, that will be missed dearly. The positivity and tenacity with which Linda faced her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment was inspiring. At 78 years old, she passed to the great beyond on June 29, 2023.

Her memories and love are carried on by her husband Art Tabanao, her daughter Monica Spydell (née Tabanao), son-in-law Joel Spydell, granddaughter Sierra Spydell, son Michael Tabanao, her niece Emily Hays, nephews Tiny (Marlan Alton Proctor III) and Tom Tabanao, her brother Marlan Alton Proctor Jr., her cousins Bobby, Toni, and Sandy, and her many friends and family members including Phil, Yoli, Nani, Carol, Melanie, Butch, Charlette and Shehana.

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