Linda Ann Borelli

Linda Ann Borelli passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May
25th at the age of 89 in her home located in Wooden Valley, Napa California. Suffering
a debilitating stroke on April 16th she was able to return to her home that she loved a
few days later where she could be surrounded by the family and the beautiful setting of
the 21 Ranch that she and her late husband John Borelli built and nurtured together for
nearly 70 years.
Born in Los Angeles, California on July 29th 1936 to Benton Christie and Margaret
Christie. She is survived by three of her four children, William John Borelli, 70, Josanna
Gay Borelli Zavala, 67, James Gardener Borelli, deceased 1980 age 20, Benjamin
Christopher Borelli, 63. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and one great
grandchild. From oldest to youngest they are; Ashley Sue Borelli, Kyle James Borelli,
Alex Nicole Borelli, Marianna Carranza Zavala, Marcelina Leon Zavala, Skyler James
Kivley, followed by the great grandchild Bodhi William Laeger.
While in high School she met her future husband Louis John Borelli and not long after
graduation they were engaged, and married on September 11th, 1954. They settled on
the longtime family ranch in eastern Napa County where “Dad” John Borelli began
working on the family owned farms and ranches and “Mom” began to have children and
be the homemaker as was so typical of the time. Having four children was a fulltime job
in which she embraced and focused. A dedicated parent, she saw to it that the home
was well kept and the family was well fed and cared for. There were ballet lessons,
swim practice and meets, wrestling meets, cross country skiing, camping, 4-H projects,
ranch tasks and chores throughout the year. It should be noted that not only did she
raise four of her own but helped to raise three first cousins for one reason or another
each spending a year or more living under her roof.
In 1966 she and her family were able to move into the home that she helped build and
love for the rest of her days. She loved to garden, cook, and to fill her home up with
family and friends.
Once all of the children were out of the house, the early to mid 1980’s, she engaged in
“growing” herself by taking viticulture and other classes at Napa College and began her

first adult paying job at Robert Mondavi winery as a tour guide. From there she became
an assistant to Mrs. Mondavi where she focused on guest services and floral
arrangements. During this time she started her own flower business which she did for a
few years.
Upon retiring she enjoyed spending time with her husband, family, shopping and
gardening.
Linda, a driven and passionate person, a wonderful Mom and friend. She will be deeply
missed by all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Napa Elks Club, 2840 Soscol Ave. Napa CA.
94558 on July 11th from 1PM to 4PM.

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