Linda Lee McNamar was a compassionate minister, gifted artist, and lifelong champion of human potential.

Born in Nevada and raised in the booming wartime neighborhoods of San Diego, Linda’s early years were shaped by contrast and resilience. When she was in elementary school, her family moved back to rural Michigan, where she spent the rest of her childhood. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, she and a few friends set out for California, where her remarkable life would unfold.

Linda began her career as an elementary school teacher, but her deepest calling came in the early 1980s. In 1985, she was ordained as a minister and would go on to spend the next 40 years in service to others. Her work with what is now known as the Centers for Spiritual Living left an enduring legacy. She created widely used youth curriculum, trained ministerial students, and mentored emerging leaders in the movement. Her wisdom and dedication earned her two honorary doctorates—an acknowledgment of the profound impact she made within spiritual communities across the country.

Linda never stopped giving. For many years, she volunteered in a fifth-grade classroom at the local elementary school. At the end of each school year, she wrote and gifted an original story featuring that year’s class—a whimsical and meaningful tradition the students treasured.

A passionate artist, Linda sold her original art in the 1970s and later turned her creative spirit toward art quilting, producing vivid and deeply personal textile wall hangings. She was also a voracious reader and an active member of multiple book groups throughout her life.

Linda was known for her wisdom, courage, and fierce compassion. She believed deeply in the inherent worth of every person she met and never hesitated to remind others of their value. Many people were touched by one of the simple, powerful cards she carried: “You make a difference.” No agenda—just heartfelt appreciation.

She is survived by her children, Kay Burnham and Matthew McNamar (and his wife, Gabby McNamar); her beloved granddaughters, Kristina Burnham and Josie Burnham; her siblings, Madelyn Rabe, Laura Fiedler, and Daniel Rogers (and his wife, Karen Rogers); and by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched by her presence and care.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, Wilford McNamar (2017), and her beloved brothers-in-law, Robert Rabe (2016) and James Fiedler (2024).

Linda’s legacy lives on in every life she touched and in the quiet ways she taught others to live with intention, kindness, and joy. Her children feel honored to have had her as their mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Laguna Woods Center for Spiritual Living
Dr. Rev. Linda McNamar Memorial Donation
P.O. Box 3912
Laguna Hills, CA 92654

Or, you can honor Linda’s spirit by Paying It Forward. Buy someone’s coffee, groceries, or meal—no need for thanks, just joy and delight, just like she would have done.