Linda Leigh Blanchard

Linda Leigh Blanchard (formerly Santamaria) is survived by her children Linna Jordan (Thomas), Donovan Santamaria (Aubrey) and Anita Santamaria and 10 grandchildren (Xavier, Jordan, Olivia, Kayleigh, Augustine, Anthony, Aubrey, Elisa, Allegra and Zissa). Her sister Michelle Blanchard, brothers Chuck Blanchard, Victor Ortiz and Alex Ortiz and 8 nieces and nephews (Artemisa Charlotte, William, Marysol, Michelle, Lucy, Richard, Pamela and Charley) and many great nieces and nephews.

Linda was born in Springfield, MA but grew up in Mexico City and Guadalajara. She has quite an extended family and many friends that still live there. She has spent her whole life learning, teaching and traveling. She graduated from the Ohio State University and did graduate work in Spain and George Washington University. During her time as a teacher (Honda, Pasadena ISD, Hilliard, Southwestern City Schools, Newark Catholic, among others) and English tutor in Mexico and the US, she touched the lives of many students and made connections that have continued since. She was grateful for every experience she had to teach something new and impact a student in a positive way.

Linda was also an incredible cook who would willingly go into anyone’s kitchen to show them how to make something or to learn a new recipe from friends. She loved to travel, taking road trips on a whim. She’d visit anyone that offered and loved the beach most of all.

There will be a celebration of life later this summer. Details will be shared with family and friends once plans are finalized. In the meantime, remember her well and be grateful for the time you had with her.