Linda Jean Beattie

Linda Jean Beattie, ne LuskLinda Lusk was born on May 28, 1932, to Fred Edward Lusk and Martha Lusk, ne Raines, of Shreveport, Caddo County, Louisiana. With her younger brother, Fred Jr., she grew up on 14th Street in Seal Beach, California, where her father was a chemist with Dow. She graduated from Huntington Beach Union High School in 1950. She went on to graduate from Stanford University with a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1954. She earned her certification in general secondary education and completed all but her thesis toward an M.A. in U.S. history at San Jose State. She taught several years at Live Oak Union High School in Morgan Hill and at John Muir High School in Pasadena. She was introduced to James Ramsey Beattie by her childhood friend Marilyn Caraway (ne Dean). They were married at Belmont Heights Methodist Church on Feb. 20, 1960. Together they reared three children: Martha Alice, Joseph Werner and Sarah Catherine. Predeceased by her husband in 1997, she is survived by her brother, her children and seven grandchildren: Nicole, Samantha, Alexis, Morgan, Travis, Stuart and Madeleine.Eligible to be a Daughter of the Revolution (not to mention a Daughter of the Confederacy), Linda was a lifetime student of history and a dedicated family genealogist. Notable ancestors include John Howland and Francis Scott Key. (Notorious ancestors are too numerous to name.) In her last quarter century, she was a supporting member of North Hills Church in Brea, California, and a diligent contributor in organizing Huntington Beach Union High School reunions. Linda had advanced Alzheimer's disease. In late February she fell, sustaining an impact hip fracture. The injury was relatively minor, and because she had been otherwise strong and hearty prior to the fall, rehabilitative therapy was attempted. However, after about 15 days of therapy, it was felt that she was not going to benefit from rehab, and in fact was immediately judged Hospice-ready. We were all pleased that she was finally able to return to her room at Aegis Chino Hills (San Bernardino County) on Sunday, March 20th, where she had been known and loved by the staff for over three years. The Hospice nurses and Aegis staff worked hard to make her comfortable and the family was with her all day on the 23rd as her breathing gently slowed. She passed peacefully at 4:09 p.m.An intensely private person, Linda was nevertheless warm, wry-humored, loving and generous. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. A viewing will be held Friday, April 1, from 4-8 p.m. at White-Emerson Mortuary in Whittier, California (13304 Philadelphia Street; Whittier, CA 90602; 562-698-0304; http://www.whiteemerson.com).A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea, California. (455 West Central Avenue, Brea, CA 92821-3086; 562-694-657; Get directions) A reception will follow.In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if remembrances were directed to North Hills Church in Brea, California, or a charity of the donor's choice.