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Linda Diane Read, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully Dec. 11, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by her family.
Linda (Hughey) Read was born Nov. 20, 1950, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Aubra and Louise (Drew) Hughey. When Linda was 3 years old, her family moved to Grand Mound, Washington. She attended school in Rochester, graduating in 1969. In school, she excelled in her studies and enjoyed being part of the cheer squad.
On Sept. 27, 1969, she married the love of her life, David Allen Read, and together they shared 56 years of marriage. They modeled for their children and grandchildren love, strength and the importance of family. They lived in Centralia and welcomed their daughter, Shannon, in 1972 and their twin sons, Mathew and Marc, in 1975.
Linda was an incredible mother who created a beautiful and gracious home for her family, where friends were always welcome and delicious food was always on her table. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter and shelves lined with well-loved books and her collection of Santas.
For 29 years, from 1985 to 2014, Linda cherished her career as Mrs. Read, the librarian at Edison Elementary School in Centralia. There, she touched countless young lives by sharing her deep love of books and learning. She believed stories could open minds and spark imagination. Generations of students remember her welcoming smile, enthusiasm and the joy she brought to the library each day.
Linda and David were blessed with three grandchildren, each a source of great joy and pride. She loved to spoil and encourage them in their pursuits of piano, dance, soccer and baseball. One of Linda’s favorite pastimes was watching her grandchildren excel in the activities they loved.
Linda will be remembered for her kindness, grace and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she loved and the countless readers she inspired.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Aubra and Louise Hughey; and her brothers, John Hughey and Bill Hughey.
She is survived by her husband, David Read; her children, Shannon Maryott (Frank), Mathew Read (Keri) and Marc Read (Hillary); her grandchildren, Claire Read, Audrey Maryott and Hudson Read; and her sisters, Mary Paulin (Frank) and Dot O’Connor (Gary).
A celebration of her life will be held in the new year, with the date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.
