Linda Akin Hook Gunby

of Poulsbo died December 27 at Harrison Medical Center, Bremerton, with her husband and son at her side. She was born in San Gabriel, CA, grew up in El Monte, CA, and lived most of her adult life in Torrance, CA. She married Al Gunby March 1, 2008, and moved to Poulsbo.For 32 years, she taught elementary education, with special emphasis on Reading Recovery, mostly at Broad Avenue School in Wilmington, CA. Her crowning achievement was raising two young boys into adulthood as a single mom. Her many years as a soccer and Little League Mom and as videographer for high school sports earned the respect of the young athletes who called her "Ma Hook," and when her son Alan brought his fellow USAF Academy cadets home on breaks, the "Ma Hook" title was reinforced.Her dedication to her churches was evident throughout her life, first as a youth leader at El Monte Methodist, then as a pastor's wife in Rolling Hills, CA, and Big Bear, CA, and finally in her long service with Riviera UMC in Redondo Beach. Upon moving to Poulsbo, she was active at the Suquamish UCC.Linda was known for her engaging smile and upbeat attitude, and demonstrated her fortitude by beating cancer twice and surviving several heart surgeries. Her motto was always, "There is hope!" She is survived by husband Al and son Mark.A family burial took place January 7, 2012, at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.A public Memorial/Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, January 22, at 1 PM at the Suquamish United Church of Christ, 18732 Division St, Suquamish.Please sign the online guestbook for the family.