With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the recent passing of Linda Rovai, retired Educational Assistance Center (EAC) Counselor at Ventura College.
Obituary:
Linda Angela Rovai, suddenly and peacefully left us Oct. 23, 2024.
Born May 23, 1949, she was the eldest of the four children of Louis and Mary Rovai. Linda attended and graduated from Rio Dell Elementary, Fortuna Union High School and HSU (now Cal Poly Humboldt). She was a student athlete and was part of the HSU woman’s volleyball team. After graduating from HSU in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she graduated from Cal State Hayward in 1977 with a Master of Science degree in Special Ed and counseling. She continued her education at the University of California Santa Barbara and graduated in 1985 with a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration.
Linda began her teaching career in Oakland at the Elmhurst Middle School. She eventually moved from the Bay Area and settled in Ojai. It was in Ojai that she found her life’s calling …. as a counselor for students with disabilities at Ventura College.
At the EAC (Educational Assistance Center), Linda advocated for students, created and taught courses, and provided the guidance and counseling they needed to succeed. Her naturally calm, caring, and grounded demeanor provided a safe and warm environment for everyone – students, faculty, and staff.
She was always a strong advocate for both part-time and full-time faculty. She served on the AFT Executive Council as a part-timer Vice-President. She also served on contract negotiating teams.
Linda was pivotal in the development of the Holistic Studies program, courses, and degrees and certificates. This excerpt from the major description is a direct reflection of who Linda was, how she approached life, and what information she wanted to make available to help others:
“This major explores the principles and beliefs of major religious and spiritual traditions that assist in the comprehension of foundational human experiences. Death, dying and grieving, ethical and moral dilemmas, finding happiness and meaning in life, and other such root experiences from varying cultural and historical perspectives. It examines the effects of the healing arts, lifestyle choices, stress reduction, and alternative and integrative medicines on graceful aging, disease prevention as well as on the creation and maintenance of optimum health and wellness.”
After retirement, Linda made the difficult decision to temporarily relocate from Ojai to Rio Dell. She spent this time lovingly taking care of her mother, making sure her mother’s passing was as gentle and peaceful as possible. Linda treasured this gift of being able to spend these last few years sharing memories with her mother and renewing connections with friends and family.
Linda’s generous spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around her. Her kindness knew no end. Always willing to help those in need, reminding us that there is so much more to this world, Linda saw beauty in the simplest moments and believed in the power of connection, nurturing relationships with a warmth that drew people in. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever inspire us.
Lind’s impact on those of us who knew her well was quietly profound, and we will miss her.
A memorial for Linda is planned at The Ojai Retreat and Inn, 160 Besant Rd in Ojai on Saturday, 23 Nov between 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
- Eagle Prairie Elementary School (95 Center St., Rio Dell, CA 95562),
- The Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department (50 W. Center St., Rio Dell, CA 95562), or
- To a charity of your choice