Linda Lou Williams (Peri)

Linda Lou Williams (Peri), native of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully July 15, 2011 after courageously fighting Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) for the past eight years. Linda was born on October 20, 1951 to Marino and Mary Margaret (Peggy) Peri. She attended Hope School, graduated in 1969 from San Marcos High School and attended Santa Barbara City College. In 1998 Linda married the love of her life, Alan P. Williams. They lived comfortably in their home where they enjoyed fabulous BBQ's, serving up Alan's Famous Cincinnati Chili, and listening to their music library which varied from oldies to rock to blue grass. Linda was the office manager of Peri & Alvarado CPA's Inc. for over thirty years. She served as treasurer of numerous political campaigns. Linda was well known in the community for her expertise in political campaign finance reporting and her extensive knowledge of the Fair Political Practice regulations. A collector of Zanesville Pottery, miniature vases, and Folk art she enjoyed her summers with the Williams family visiting the Amish Country and adding to her collections. Later, when Linda became confined to her home, she became an "expert" of online shopping which she taught to her friends and relatives. Linda is survived by her sister Dede (Jim) Nonn, and her brother David (Kitty) Peri, brother-in-law Robert (Debra) Williams, sister-in-law Jill (Robert) Goran. She is also survived by five nephews, Joe (Leah) Peri, Gabriel (Karen) Peri, Daniel (Lynn) Williams, Benjamin (Rachel) Williams, Alex Goran, and seven nieces, Francesca (Rob) Wermlinger, Sara Peri, Amy Williams, Christa Williams, Lindsay Goran, Kelsey Goran and Claire Goran. She was also the fabulous young great aunt to her six great nephews and 3 great nieces. Linda will always be remembered for her outgoing, friendly, caring personality and her love for other people. There was always a smile on her face no matter what the circumstance. Linda's illness, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is associated with progressive degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. The cause of MSA is unknown and currently there is no cure. After diagnosis there is an average life expectancy of seven years. There is a gradual loss of all motor functions including motion and speech. The loss of independence in all aspects of daily living is the most difficult to surrender. After her diagnosis, Linda faced new challenges everyday. She fought to retain her independence as long as possible adapting to the progressive loss of her motor functions. Through it all she never complained. She maintained her career up until seven months ago. The family expresses love and gratitude to the fabulous caregivers who helped Alan, Dede, Myra, Emma, Betsy and Dina - We love you. The Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday at Welch-Ryce-Haider at 15 East Sola Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Thursday at St. Raphael's Church on Hollister Avenue in Goleta. Donations in Memory of Linda can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, New York 10008-0780 or to the American Parkinson Disease Assn. (APDA), 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

Linda Lou Williams (Peri)

October 20, 1951 - July 15, 2011