Linda Kay Hastings

Surrounded by her family, Linda Kay Hastings, aged 64, of Jacksonville, Florida, traded in her running shoes for angel wings on December 8, 2023, due to complications from Corticobasal Degeneration, a rare illness she had been battling the last four years of her life. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, but her zest for life and infectious laughter will forever echo in our memories.

Linda, a self-proclaimed Disney princess at heart, was born on June 27, 1959, to the late H. Thomas and Catherine Hastings. Her life was a marathon of milestones, from graduating from Jacksonville Episcopal High School (now known as The Episcopal School of Jacksonville) in 1977 to earning her bachelor's degree from Duke University in 1981.

Fate, or perhaps a shared love of art and the desire to ignite imaginations, brought Linda together with her soulmate, Jesse Nolan. After tying the knot in 1992, Linda and Jesse returned to Jacksonville to put down their roots, where Linda's love for learning led her to pursue her educational dream, achieving the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida.

With her youngest child in elementary school, Linda juggled motherhood with her passion for pharmacy, dedicating her days to caring for the tiny patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UFHealth Jacksonville. Her commitment and unwavering care left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Linda was a vibrant soul with a kaleidoscope of interests. She embraced running with open arms, not just for health but also for friendly competition, completing a full marathon and numerous half marathons, many of which took place in the most magical place on Earth, Walt Disney World, one of her family's "happy" places. And let's not forget her impressive collection of Princess tiaras, which she proudly sported during her runs!

Linda's culinary skills were the stuff of legend, delighting her family and friends with her culinary creations. Her creative talents extended beyond the kitchen to her artwork, including her stunning stained glass masterpieces. In her “found” time, she also managed to secure her scuba diving certification AND her pilot’s license!  Politics, feminism, and democracy were her civic passions, but they paled in comparison to her unwavering love for her husband, children, and friends.

The beach, a sanctuary of solace and joy throughout her life, was also the setting for many fun-filled JEHS girlfriend reunions. There, Linda, with her chemistry background, whipped up batches of her famous frozen margaritas – the perfect elixir for reminiscing and creating new memories.

Linda's faith was as strong as her margaritas. She recently reaffirmed her baptismal vows through The Episcopal Church, proving that even in the face of adversity, her belief in God remained unshaken. Let's just say, she was ready to trade in her earthly scrubs for a pair of heavenly wings.

Linda leaves behind her beloved husband, Jesse Nolan, who showered her with unwavering support and devotion, especially during the challenging times of her illness. Although her heart carried the weight of losing her son Andrew Stanley, her love and joy blossomed watching her children Julie Stanley Knoizen (Chris), Connor Nolan (Christina), and Colin Nolan grow into remarkable adults. Her granddaughter, Summer Knoizen, was the apple of her eye, a constant source of delight and inspiration.  Linda is also survived by her sister, Laura Hastings Studstill (Brad), her niece Katherine Studstill, and her nephew Casey Studstill.

Linda's departure was all too soon, but her vibrant spirit, irresistible laughter, and unwavering love will live on in our memories.  She was a force of nature, and, as it turned out, this princess was tough as s**t!

A memorial service to celebrate Linda's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. John’s Cathedral (Cummings Chapel). The Very Reverend Kate Moorehead Carroll, Dean, will lead the service, along with The Reverend Gee Alexander, Associate Priest for Pastoral Care.  St. John’s Cathedral is located at 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL  32202. A reception for all friends and family will be held immediately afterwards in the Cathedral’s Taliaferro Hall.  All who own a tiara, whether earned during a Disney running race or not, are encouraged to wear their tiaras at the reception.  (Have no worries!  Linda would definitely have approved!!)

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory can be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32257 (904-886-3883), https://thefoundationcares.org/give/ . Instead of sending flowers that will eventually wilt, let's honor Linda's memory by supporting an organization that did so much to help Linda and her family and continues to provide that same compassionate care to so many others.