Linda Kay Nataro, 67, passed away at her residence in Galveston on January 25, 2015. She was born on May 7, 1947, the firstborn of what would be five daughters.

She attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and graduated from Ursuline Academy in May 1965.

Linda began working shortly after high school at a prominent insurance firm in downtown Galveston. She later worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District; the U. S. Coast Guard; JSC (NASA) for 25 years; and ended her work career at AMOCO (now BP), retiring in 1999 after a total of 30+ years of service.

Linda loved to travel and crochet, but her true passions were gardening and cooking. To say she had a “green thumb” would be a gross understatement. EVERYTHING she planted heartily flourished. She also made the best lemon meringue pies in the world.

Linda is preceded in death by her father, Edward F. Hoffman (11/09/02) and younger sister, Marla Hoffman Duhon (04/12/11). Survivors include her loving and giving mother, Fern E. Kirkley; son, Arch W. Hester, Jr.; daughter, Heather Nataro Hill and husband, Heston; and grandsons, Stephen Michael Hester and Allen Richard Hill. Also left to cherish her memory are her three remaining sisters and brothers-in-law, Judie & Kirby Lester of Texas City; Karen and Bill Knight of Groveton; and Elise and Larry Lippincott of Cary, North Carolina. She is also survived by four nieces, two nephews, and three great nephews.

Linda’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Wednesday February 4th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service and rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s name to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.