Linda Anne Wathen Espejo

Linda Anne Wathen Espejo died peacefully on October 27, 2020 with her daughter and son-in-law at her side to the sounds of Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Boccelli, and Chris Botti.

Linda was born in Monterey, CA as a 2nd generation Californian on August 15, 1946 to George Wathen and Mary Market. Her family came to the area in the early 1900s, emigrating from different towns in Mljet, Croatia.

Linda was an active member of the Watsonville community throughout her life. She was a graduate of Watsonville High School, after which she went on to receive her teaching credentials from San Jose State University. Serving as an educator for 34 years in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Linda was the ultimate generational teacher. She taught the children of many of her former Kindergarteners. She was invested in the quality of education and kept in touch with countless students long after they left her classroom.

Linda married her late husband, Joseph Espejo, Jr. on February 14th, 1987 and the two had their only child, Maryanna, later that year. After Joe's passing in 2002, Linda retired from a lifelong career in education and turned her attention to other community groups. She was a member of the Slavic-American Cultural Organization, Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers' Union and California Retired Teacher's Association, a cantor and member of the Holy Eucharist Church in Corralitos, and a member of the Young Ladies Institute in Watsonville. She was also a dedicated fan of the San Francisco 49ers and loved participating in local football pools.

Linda had a vibrant personality and a heart of gold, offering house and home to many over the years. She was a supportive mother who defined unconditional love and was passionate about family and her Croatian roots. Linda was also strong in her convictions, being very vocal about her political beliefs under the current administration. As many have asked, we wanted to happily confirm that Linda submitted her 2020 ballot well before her passing.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Maryanna Espejo-Moses and her son-in-law Kirk Moses; her brother, Robert Wathen, and family-in-laws Catherine Wathen, Paul Espejo, Alyce Genai, Daniel Espejo, Gloria Espejo and Dennis Cox; her favorite cousin Janice Rains; her nephews, Shaun and Devin Wathen, and her nieces, Dominique Olivari, Gabrielle Torres, Nicole Fling, along with the numerous children whose lives she touched during her devoted career. She is also survived by the great friends she had over the years. To her, you were family. While we can't name them all here, you know who you are.

A Celebration of Life will be planned when it is safe to do so in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please send your parting gifts in the form of donations to the Slavic American Cultural Organization (SACO): Checks should be made payable to S.A.C.O. and mailed to P.O. Box 226, Watsonville, CA 95077.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · December 22, 2020