Linda Hall-Martin: Volunteer, Philanthropist, Amazing Cook and Traveler

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Linda Hall-Martin, 62, of Eureka, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly September 22, 2019, at St. Joseph Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Linda was born on July 4th, 1957 in Martinez, CA to Wilbert and Francis Hall, the first of their two children. The Halls owned a floral shop, Granshaw’s, in Martinez, where Linda developed a strong work ethic from a very young age. Both she and her younger brother, John, could frequently be found helping their parents with flower arrangements and customer service at the store.

Linda attended elementary school in Martinez and graduated from Carondelet High School in Concord and Heald Business College. She then moved to Humboldt County where she fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home. Linda also fell in love with Chris (“Mel”) Martin–they married in 1984, spending 35 amazing and wonderful years together.

Linda’s business education enabled her to hold several rewarding positions in a career as an executive secretary for insurance companies and law firms, culminating in her retirement at the young age of 55 after a long tenure at Humboldt State University.

Linda was a woman of many passions, and when she was involved in them, she was all in. One of these was animal rescue, leading her to co-found the organization, Friends for Life. She also contributed to other animal rescue groups through volunteering and philanthropy.

She was an amazing cook and loved to entertain her friends and family at her Cutten home, which she and Chris had beautified through their mutual love of gardening. Additionally, Linda and her friend, Carol Lang, owned and operated Occasions Catering for many years.

Linda loved to travel. She and Chris made several trips afar to Scotland and England, but they also enjoyed spending long weekends closer to home with excursions to the Oregon Coast and Las Vegas. They were both passionate about exercise, whether it was sunrise walks with their dogs or giving their all at spin class several times a week.

Linda is survived by her husband, Chris Martin, and all of their four-legged fur children. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as numerous life-long friends. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Willie and Frannie, whom she selflessly cared for during their last years of life; her brother, John Hall, and many four-legged kids. Linda’s family and friends would like to express their deepest and sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated surgical team and ICU staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Linda’s preferred animal charities, which are: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project, Companion Animal Foundation, and the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at the Bayside Community Hall on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 12 until 3 pm.  All friends and family are welcome.