Linda Maria Hulbert

Linda Maria Hulbert, beloved wife, devoted teacher, and cherished friend, passed away on March 21, 2026, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. She was 83.

Born on February 13, 1943, in Aberdeen, Washington, Linda was the daughter of Roy T. and Catherine "Katie" Byrns. She grew up in Hoquiam and graduated from Hoquiam High School in June 1961. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Washington University in 1965, beginning a lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds.

On July 29, 1961, Linda married the love of her life, Fred "Mick" Hulbert, at Our Lady of Good Help in Hoquiam. Together they built a life defined by partnership, adventure, and deep affection. Their journey took them from Washington to Maui, where they spent 32 unforgettable winters.

Linda dedicated 30 years to teaching as a primary educator at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary in Tumwater, Washington, from September 1965 until her retirement in June 1995. Her gentle spirit, patience, and joy in seeing children grow left a lasting mark on generations of students.

Outside the classroom, Linda's passions were many. She loved knitting baby blankets for family and friends, each one crafted with care. Golf brought her great happiness, and she was an active member of the Ladies Golf Club in Tumwater and the Ladies Golf Club at Sandalwood in Maui. Her heart for service shone through her 22 years of volunteer work at Maui Memorial Hospital.

Linda volunteered making Portuguese Sweet Bread, lovingly made for St. Anthony's School in Maui. She delighted in cooking—especially anything inspired by the Pioneer Woman—and she treasured her collection of Starbucks Bears, gathered over many years. She loved Christmas, red trucks, and sunflowers.

Travel was one of Linda's greatest joys. She and Mick shared memorable trips to Victoria, British Columbia; Aruba; the Grand Cayman Islands; and the Oregon Coast, forming friendships along the way that lasted a lifetime.

Linda was a woman of faith and a longtime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity touched everyone who knew her.

Linda is survived by her husband, Fred "Mickey" Hulbert. She was preceded in death by her sister, Roylene (Byrns) Johnson; her father, Roy T. Byrns; and her mother, Catherine "Katie" Byrns.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda's memory to St. Mary's School in Aberdeen, Washington, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation—organizations she deeply admired.

Linda My Love

I hear you in a song, and I hear you in the breeze, the sounds of oceans churning and the rustling of leaves.

I see you in my thoughts while both sleeping and awake. You linger like the morning fog upon a placid lake.

I feel you when you touch me gentle as a wisp of wind, or soft caressing raindrops alighting on my skin.

Your love has far more value than either platinum or gold and graces me with memories I shall ever hold.

Now as I look upon you, I know why Jesus wept, for a promise has no meaning, until it has been kept.

Inspired by Rick Nichols