Linda Anne Durant

Linda Anne Durant passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at her home in Watsonville, California, after a long battle with cancer. She was born July 26, 1949, in Cornwall, New York, to John Swan Taylor and Margaret Joan Denny Taylor.

Linda built a career spanning more than 40 years as a dental hygienist, working for a number of local dentists as well as the UC Santa Cruz Health Clinic. During her career, she cared for many patients living with HIV and AIDS, bringing compassion to her work during a time when many others turned away.

In her free time, Linda found joy in plants and gardening, and was an active member of the Contra Dance community. She loved the redwoods and the beaches, and felt deeply fortunate to call Santa Cruz County home.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, James Sawrey, and her parents, John Swan Taylor and Margaret Joan Denny Taylor. She is survived by her son, Christopher John Durant; her grandson, Gavin Christopher Durant, and his mother, Evelyn Durant. She also leaves behind her sister, Elizabeth Margaret Taylor (David Stebbins); her nephew, John Taylor Stebbins (Stephanie Enner); her niece, Emily Grace Stebbins (William Bruce); and her great-niece, Fiona Marceline Stebbins.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Ave Maria Memorial Chapel. No formal services will be held.