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Linda Ann Doner-Fatland (77), after her courageous battle with cancer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June, 16. She was surrounded by her husband, three children, and many friends at her side. Linda was a loving wife, a wonderful mother to three children, and the best Nana to four beautiful granddaughters. Family was important to Linda along with many family traditions. Linda was an avid reader and belonged to three book clubs in Tryon, Asheville, and Flat Rock. She enjoyed walking and working in her beautiful gardens, which is where she felt closest to God. She loved music and the theatre and enjoyed attending the Brevard Music Center and Flat Rock Playhouse. Linda also enjoyed antiquing with her husband Jim and had an amazing talent and eye for design. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Michael and June Gargano. She is survived by the love of her life and husband Jim Fatland of 33 years, son Scott Doner, son Eric Doner and wife Chrissie, daughter Joy Furchner and husband Wes, and granddaughters Erika Bell, Reagan Doner, Gabriella, and Arianna Furchner; and her brother Michael Gargano and wife Tina. Linda was born in Alamogordo, NM on March 30, 1947. Her family moved to Southern California where she grew up and pursued her career in education. Later; in 1994, Linda and Jim moved their family to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Linda graduated from Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, CA, and joined the Louisville Convent, Sisters of St. Louis, in Woodland Hills, CA. There, she served God for five years before finding her calling in education. Linda then graduated with a B.A. Degree from California State University Fullerton in 1973 and her M.A. Degree from the University of San Francisco in 1984. Linda served as a teacher at Holy Name of Mary Catholic School (San Dimas, CA) and as school principals for Sacred Heart Catholic School (Covina, CA) and St. Cecelia Catholic School (Tustin, CA). After moving to North Carolina in 1994, Linda went back to the classroom because of her desire to be closer to the children. She taught Language Arts at Asheville Middle School, North Buncombe Middle School, and Cane Creek Middle School. Linda retired in 2013 after touching the lives of thousands of children in her 44 years in education. To pursue a lifelong dream, Linda then opened and operated a Bed and Breakfast for five years from 2013 to 2018.
Linda and Jim graciously and lovingly welcomed a multitude of guests to Western North Carolina at The Northern Lights Bed and Breakfast. Their little “dream” was selected as “Best in Henderson County in 2018.” Linda left a positive impact on all who were privileged to know her and she will be missed beyond measure. Her legacy lives on through her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July, 12 at Point Lookout Vineyards, 408 Appleola Road, Hendersonville, NC. Fellowship with family and friends will be held at 6:30 pm, followed by a Sunset Service at 8:00 pm. Heavy hors ‘d’ oeuvres and wine served/dress brightly in honor of Linda’s love for her gardens.