1949-2014
Linda Katheleen Navarro passed away on August 12, 2014 after a lengthy struggle with several debilitating illnesses. Linda was the much loved daughter of legendary jazz trumpeter, Theodore ‘Fats’ Navarro, of Key West, Florida, and Rena Clark, of Bellevue, Washington. Her father passed away in her infancy and Linda spent many of her childhood years in foster care. Linda found a loving family outside of the traditional structure and became an integral part of this family unit, creating decades of memories we will all cherish in her absence.
Linda highly valued justice. She put herself through university, earning her B.A in Political Science and graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1980, while raising her son. Linda clerked for Judge Charles Z. Smith and practiced law as a public defense attorney for the Associated Counsel for the Accused in Seattle for many years. She joined King County Superior Court Judge Michael J. Fox as his bailiff in 1991, working with him until her retirement in 2010.
Said Fox, "She was one of the best things about my career. Although she suffered much adversity in her own life, and her health and strength were always delicate, she put every ounce of energy she had into her work. She loved the drama of a well tried case. She could understand the humor and pathos that we see every day in the courtroom". Judge Fox and all the court system workers remember Linda with much affection and admiration.
Piercingly intelligent and passionate, Linda stood up for the rights of all people throughout her life. We all benefitted from her insightful, clarifying perspectives on poverty, power and race. She gave her wise counsel and loving spirit to many in need. She is especially well remembered as a lifelong friend and advocate of the lesbian and gay community. Her life was immeasurably enriched through the many friendships she made at Tate Mason during the last years of her life.
Everyone who knew Linda extends their arms around her son, Amilcar Navarro, as he continues his journey. They were not only mother and son, but the sweetest of friends. A small, informal picnic was held August 16th at Madrona Beach with plans for a formal memorial at a later time.
Donations can be made in honor of Linda Navarro to the Mockingbird Society: dedicated to building a world-class foster care system - 2100 24th Avenue S Suite 240 Seattle, WA 98144