Linda Pauline Gadola

1949-2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Linda Pauline Gadola on August 23, 2025. To describe Linda in just a few words is impossible; she was a woman of many talents – extraordinary kindness, unwavering generosity, and the most loving soul. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, advocate, and friend.

Born in Seattle in 1948 to Paul and Hana Zeman, Linda completed their family, joining Joanie, her beloved big sister with developmental disabilities. In a time when differences were not celebrated, Linda loved Joanie unconditionally and dedicated much of her life to Joanie and causes that support individuals with special needs. Linda attended Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and later graduated from the University of Washington in 1969. As a graduation gift, her parents sent her to Europe where she met Toni Gadola of Disentis, Switzerland. Their romance was short and sweet; and Toni became Linda’s greatest adventure! They married in Locarno, Switzerland in 1972 and shared eight years in Switzerland before settling in the United States, on Mercer Island, where they built a life rooted in family. While Toni and Linda raised their daughters, Corina and Christa, to be hard workers, family-oriented, and lovers of travel and tradition, Linda continued her steadfast devotion to Joanie and her aging parents. Her loyalty to family was unmatched.

Together, Linda and Toni ran several small businesses, but none more beloved than Alpenland, a Swiss-German deli and local treasure on Mercer Island. While Toni’s cooking made the business successful, Linda’s front-of-the-house charm and legendary kindness turned staff and customers into friends and family.

One may be surprised to know that Linda rode a motorcycle to work in the 1980s and spoke three languages fluently. Her boldness and brilliance extended into her philanthropic work where she procured hundreds of thousands of dollars for her beloved causes – Special Olympics Washington and L’Arche Seattle. For decades, she proudly served on the board of directors for both organizations.

Linda’s love of travel brought her to Toni. And in their retirement, they enjoyed more adventures across continents with friends, new and old. But her greatest joy came from being a grandma to her three grandchildren – Cohen, Emerson, and Piper. They were her world and she desperately wished to continue watching them grow.

She is preceded in death by her husband Toni Gadola, parents Hana and Paul Zeman, and sister Joanie Zeman. She is survived by her daughters Corina Kolbe (Ken) and Christa Gadola; her cherished grandchildren Cohen Kolbe, Emerson Kolbe, and Piper Gadola; and a wide circle of friends who will carry forward her legacy of service, love, and joy.

A service will be held at St. Monica’s on September 19th at 11:00AM. Linda was bright and vibrant; feel free to wear color. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Special Olympics Washington or L’Arche Seattle.