LINDA SUZANNE KAAI

September 23, 1944 — April 14, 2024
Linda Suzanne Kaai, 79, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024. Born in Norman, Oklahoma on September 23, 1944, she grew up on Mercer Island, right outside of Seattle. She often cared for her younger siblings. Her sister remembers her singing “White Christmas,” just so that she would be able to fall asleep. As a teenager, her beautiful voice and sweet looks earned her a place as a princess in the Seattle Seafair Celebrations. A graduate of the University of Washington, she spent many of her younger years traveling before settling in Morgan City. After working as a cook for local boat companies, she would return to college, earning a master’s degree from Nicholls State University. She became a Speech Pathologist and served the St. Mary Parish School system for 20 years until her retirement.
Linda was a gentle and generous person who had a humble and quiet nature. She was always there to lend an ear to her friends and family, listening to their daily struggles with patience and compassion. She lived her life by her strong beliefs, striving always to follow her faith. She firmly believed that no matter what difficulties came her way, God would provide a solution. Linda was a guiding light to her son and others, reminding them that everything happens according to God’s timing, not ours. On Saturdays, you often found her listening to music as she baked fresh cookies. She was a woman who loved to read. You could often find her with a stack of books covering her dining room table. Painting was another passion of hers, and she enjoyed taking daily walks that she referred to as “her walk with God”. After her bible study sessions, she would often write poetry. Swimming in Lake Palourde and doing craft projects with her granddaughter were also some of her favorite pastimes. She was an active member of her church and used to love singing in the choir. Thinking about her now brings back fond memories of her little mannerisms, like holding her hot coffee mug just to warm her hands or smiling sweetly when having a conversation with someone. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world, and that nothing could go wrong. She inspired faith in others and made them feel that anything was possible if they had faith. Looking back, it’s amazing how such a small woman could cast such a long shadow. Those who knew her will miss her terribly.
She is survived by her children, Loren Green, Tammy Green (from a previous marriage), and Kawika Kaai (Deborah); a granddaughter, Sarah Hoku Kaai; her siblings, Scott Drown (Linda), Debra Drown, and Keith Drown; and former daughter-in-law, Katherine Kaai.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, David Kaai; her parents, Norman Schmalke, Betty Jean and Clifford Drown; and a brother, Clifford Drown Jr.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. at Twin City Funeral Home, with a memorial service being held at 11:00 A.M.