Linda Kathleen Dodero

“Flowers lead to books which lead to thinking and not thinking and then more flowers and music. Music. Then many more flowers and many more books… Spring is in the air. Don’t you think?”

- Maria Kalman, The Principles of Uncertainty

Linda Kathleen Dodero, “Linda Kay” to some, died March 30, 2023 at the age of 80. 

Born February 25, 1943 in Greeley, Colorado, Linda was the daughter of Olinda (Mitzel) and Claude Row. Linda graduated from Greeley High School in 1961. She and her husband, Jimmy, had one child, Dave, born in 1966 and two grandchildren, Daniel, born in 1996, and Alana, born in 1999.

For most of her life, Linda’s primary role was homemaker. She also enjoyed working as a waitress. Linda was passionate about books and reading and talented at baking, quilting, and knitting. Linda welcomed her daughter-in-law into the family with a pizzelle iron and a mandate to make pizzelles for her son every holiday season. She spoiled her grandkids with numerous spectacular quilts in colors and patterns that alarmed traditional quilters but bedazzled her family. 

Linda is survived by her son David Dodero, his wife Robyn (Parker), and their two children, Daniel Dodero and Alana Dodero. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband James Michael Dodero, “Jimmy”.

Linda encouraged her son and grandkids to attend college and bragged about their accomplishments. She lived long enough for her grandson to begin a job as a Sustainability Specialist in the Denver Metro area after earning an MS degree in Environmental Sustainability and for her granddaughter to begin a PhD program focusing on Atmospheric Chemistry after earning a BS in Mathematics and Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Linda could not have been more proud of her family.

In her quest for knowledge (and entertainment), Linda read thousands of books during her lifetime. She diligently supported her public library and independent bookstores and often shared her books with friends who came to rely on her for book recommendations. Linda kept several copies of her favorite book, Maira Kalman’s The Principles of Uncertainty, on hand to share.

To put more books in the hands of kids and adults, contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to Mesa County Libraries Foundation:

mesacountylibraries.org or 

Mesa County Libraries Foundation

443 North 6th Street

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Linda would also want her friends and family (and everyone else) to support local, independent book sellers by purchasing a book for themselves that they will pass on to someone else when they’re finished. 

“If something does go wrong, here is my advice. During WWII people looked at this poster. Not a bad thing to remember. Under any circumstances: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. Indeed. Indeed. So long, dear friends until we meet again.”

- Maria Kalman, The Principles of Uncertainty