Dr. Linda Alice May Perry
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Dr. Linda Alice May Perry

  • November 21, 1947 - November 28, 2012
  • San Diego, California
  • In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda's honor to the Linda A.M. Perry Scholarship Memorial fund at the University of San Diego by contacting Valeria Attisha, Director of Development, at 619-260-6890 or by email at vattisha@sandiego.edu.
  • Linda A.M. Perry Scholarship Memorial Fund
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Memories & Candles

“Darling Linda, for life-times we have shared... and the beat and breathe and love and joy and peace and service and Oneness IS EVERLASTING and ...Read More » ”
1 of 15 | Posted by: Solluna M. Moyoah - San Diego, CA

“Dr. Perry was a very dedicated professor. I was a speech comm major (USD class of 1991) and I had Dr. Perry for several classes. Later as a grad...Read More » ”
2 of 15 | Posted by: Anastasia Stabile - San Diego, CA

“To Linda's Family: I remember Linda when we were at Kennebunk High School. She always had a smile on her face and very nice to all. Glad to hear...Read More » ”
3 of 15 | Posted by: Bill Garry - Manassas, VA

“Holly, Heather, and Ashley, I am so sorry to learn about your Mom's passing. She was the strongest person I have ever known in my life. She taught...Read More » ”
4 of 15 | Posted by: Trica Ledgewwo - Portland, OR

“Our condolences to your family. Linda was very special to us. She was a brave woman with a remarkable spirit. We will fondly remember all the time we...Read More » ”
5 of 15 | Posted by: Debra Sherman and Ralph Jarzembowski - CA

“Holly, Heather, Ashley and family, So sorry for your loss! You are in our prayers and thoughts. May your wonderful memories help during this sad...Read More » ”
6 of 15 | Posted by: Karen A. Button - Berwick, ME

“Linda was a remarkable person! Her honesty, kindness and determination were unfailing. The courage Linda exhibited over many years of poor health...Read More » ”
7 of 15 | Posted by: Joan Mann

“Linda taught me so very much about compassion and strength. At the San Diego OSCLG, we were sitting outside on the patio talking. She gently placed...Read More » ”
8 of 15 | Posted by: Paaige Turner - St. Louis, MO

“Sincere condolences to the entire Perry family. Linda was always a teacher and an example of persistence and determinatioon to all who knew her. ...Read More » ”
9 of 15 | Posted by: Bill Raybourne - Lexington, KY

“Linda will be missed. Your tribute address is being shared with Linda's OSCLG friends and colleagues. Thank you for being the strong supports of...Read More » ”
10 of 15 | Posted by: Anita Taylor - Gaithersburg, MD

“Holly, Heather and Ashley, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for your comfort and peace. ”
11 of 15 | Posted by: Stephen Nichols - Kennebunk, ME

“Our heartfelt condolences to the Perry family. We are deeply sadden to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the love and memories shared...Read More » ”
12 of 15 | Posted by: Beltran family - SD, CA

“Holly, So sorry about your Mom's passing. Deepest condolences to you, Ashley, Heather, and the rest of your family and friends. Love, Richard ”
13 of 15 | Posted by: Richard Petrarca - Warwick, RI

“Holly & Family, My condolences to you and your family. The loss of a parent is hard but she will live on through all the memories that you can keep...Read More » ”
14 of 15 | Posted by: Jill Duffy - RI

“Dearest Sandi, Words can't express how saddened I was to hear of Linda's passing. May peace come from the memories and love you shared. My...Read More » ”
15 of 15 | Posted by: Muffin Story - Louisville, KY


Linda Alice May Perry, PhD, passed away peacefully at her home on November 28, 2012 surrounded by her family. A week before her death she celebrated her 65th birthday and Thanksgiving with her family and friends. Linda was strong, tenacious, loving, and generous. She never shied away from standing up for what was right and spent her life advocating for the rights of women and under-privileged people.

Linda was a Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies and Co-Creator of the Gender Studies Program at The University of San Diego. During her tenure at USD, she was a member of the University Senate, the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and spear-headed a Strategic Long-Range Planning Process. She served as the President of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender and was given the prestigious honor of being named a "Wise Woman" by OSCLG. She served for many years on the editorial board of Women and Language, a nationally-refereed journal.

Linda was a lover of dogs, film, theater, music, museums, travel, the San Diego Zoo, games and mini-golf. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister, and a fiercely loyal friend. Linda continually overcame challenges related to her chronic illnesses with courage and determination, a trait admired by many.

Linda is survived by her two daughters, Holly J. Nichols (and partner, Stacey J. O'Brien-Rinner) of RI and Heather D. (and husband, Andi) Mann of CO, a granddaughter, Ashley S. Nichols (and future husband, Stefan Chase) of MA, two sisters, Bonnie J. (and husband, Bruce) Garrett of ME and Sandra Perry of IN, a brother, Ronald (and wife, Kathie) Perry of ME, "adopted daughter," Theresa (and husband, Cyril) Poissonet and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, C. Sidney Perry and Jean Perry of ME and a brother, David Perry of KS.

A memorial service will be held at her home on Friday, December 07, 2012 at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Linda's honor to the Linda A.M. Perry Scholarship Memorial fund at the University of San Diego by contacting Valeria Attisha, Director of Development, at 619-260-6890 or by email at vattisha@sandiego.edu.