With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Linda Kay (née Oliver) McCleary on April 9, 2025 in Tucson, AZ. Linda was born February 4, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, the youngest daughter of Angelo and Gladys (née Grylls) Oliver. Linda, (“Sissy” to her family and many friends) grew up enjoying Sunday dinners with her large extended family and ice skating at MacRae Park in Des Moines’ southside. Linda graduated in January 1961 from Lincoln High School, where she was elected class Secretary and affectionately known as “Pete.” Linda worked hard her entire life, beginning at Holiday Theater during high school, Pester Derby as a punch card operator, and Employer’s Mutual before taking a break to raise her family in Johnston, Iowa. She would go on to have a decades-long career at Principal Financial where her co-workers became an adopted family. Linda loved listening to music, singing and dancing, going to movies, shopping, ice cream, the Iowa State Fair, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes. She enjoyed many trips with family and friends. A life-long animal lover, she shared her life with many pets and trips to the zoo. Additionally, she had a years-long tradition of lunch every Saturday at Chinese restaurants with her beloved children. Linda never met a stranger, and if you were blessed to talk to her, you were an instant friend. She had an infectious smile and was known for giving exceptional back rubs, hand massages and compliments that would make your day. She gave love and kindness to everyone she met, and you always left feeling better after seeing her. Linda’s generosity and empathy knew no bounds - if she owned something you liked, she’d offer it to you on the spot, and she was always there to listen and care for people around her. She deeply loved her family and friends and never missed an opportunity to say, “ l love you” to those she cared about. Her constant smile and warm hugs will be missed beyond measure. Linda was preceded in death by her sister Shirley (née Palmer) Klier and is survived by her brother, Mike; her children, Denise (Darren) Berman, Brian McCleary (Aubrey Loffredo), Jill McCleary (Bret Adams), and Lori (Alex) Bulmahn; her beloved granddaughters, Meena and Inara; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Linda’s children will host a celebration of life this August in Des Moines, Iowa (details to follow via socials). In lieu of flowers, Linda’s family recommends a donation to Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ, a place that brought Linda many smiles and moments of joy. To contact family, please email RememberingLindaMc@gmail.com.