Memorial Fund in honor of Linda Duca

It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to you. Our beautiful and beloved Linda has passed away, leaving a profound void in our lives and in the hearts of all who loved her.

A west coast memorial service is scheduled at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, CA on Saturday September 21st from 1-5pm. Guests will be invited to speak at 3pm. Please use the following link to RSVP.

https://forms.gle/ZfU71BKqFXMpGzrN9

Linda was diagnosed earlier this year with early-stage breast cancer; she recently underwent successful surgery. From the time of her routine mammogram screening, she began to slide into a nervous state and ultimately into depression. Despite being cancer-free and starting her journey to a full recovery, the stress and reality of her diagnosis took a toll on both her physical and mental health. Linda was facing the challenging process of finding her way back to the person she was before her diagnosis. One of the many treatments Linda was pursuing to help with her condition was prescribed medication. It is with great sadness and warning to others that Linda presented some of the dangerous side effects of the medication she was taking. Linda, while alone on the morning of 6/24/24 and after just 12 days of being on the drug Mirtazapine, suffered a psychotic break and went to the Richmond San Rafael bridge where she ended her life. We have lost a beautiful soul. One of the world’s greatest is gone.

We are reaching out to family, friends, and loved ones to clearly communicate Linda's story and answer the overwhelming number of inquiries about how to help. Financial support will allow Brandon and Lana to stay in the home that Linda has cultivated. Donations will help alleviate the inevitable monetary stress and allow them to focus on healing from this devastating tragedy.

Linda touched the lives of so many during her time with us. Her obituary is below and will soon be found at Legacy.com. We invite you to share any stories, memories, or photos you may have, here or at https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOEFNINlrhZr07Q8jXNmLKJHMDEuHUVcVs0JQLeVps7Gm5xeOnKJBVxkbAt8eJWVw?key=bm9zenE5a2plOF9lMmtSNFhHczB5RXdZT0kzTVhB

Linda Alice Duca, 46, of San Rafael, California, formerly of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away suddenly on June 24, 2024. Linda had an insatiable appetite for creation and adventure. Her drive and passion for life was truly unmatched. Linda was a lover of the arts, nature, sailing, kayaking, and rock climbing. Ultimately, she loved being part of an amazing community in Marin that made her feel happy and whole. Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey is a special place where Linda spent summers with all her loved ones. Linda traveled all over the world to connect with old friends and unearth new experiences. Her approach to problem solving was unique and inventive and her command of a situation never wavered. We will all cherish the time we had with Linda and the force of nature that she was.

Linda is survived by her husband Brandon Dayoan, daughter Lana Cerise Duca, sister Stefanie Valerio, father John Duca, stepmother Amy Sarracino, and mother-in-law Jo Dayoan. She was predeceased by her mother, Lila Duca, and father-in-law, Ben Dayoan.

Linda began her career with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in 2005 as an Inspector in the Compliance & Enforcement Division, where she rose to the position of Supervising Air Quality Specialist. She was responsible for oil refineries' adherence to environmental standards across the Bay Area. She felt a personal responsibility to uphold the mission statement of the Air District, which is to create a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident. She was credited for the agency securing a $130 million settlement against Chevron and Martinez Refining Co. after a five-year challenge.

Linda graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1996 and the University of Maryland in 2000. After graduation she spent a year volunteering for AmeriCorps in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was during her volunteer service that she met her future husband, Brandon. In 2002 Linda relocated to San Francisco to be with Brandon, eventually marrying in 2006. They moved to San Rafael and began to form a community. Linda and Brandon’s beautiful daughter, Lana, was born in 2009.