Linda Urena

Linda Joyce Urena, lovingly known as Linda (Lyn), Mom, Nana, and a dear friend to so many, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by family.

Born in Liverpool, England, Linda came to America with her parents at just eight years old. Leaving her beloved family behind was difficult, but the miles never weakened those bonds. She stayed close to her cousins over the years and treasured visits from her aunties and family back home. England was always part of her heart, and so were the people she loved there. Wherever life took her, she carried that love of family with her, making people feel welcome, wanted, and loved along the way.

Linda was a wonderful mix of sweetness, humor, creativity, and just enough sass to keep everyone on their toes! When she married Tony, the Urena/Martinez family immediately fell in love with their blonde-haired, blue-eyed, sweet, spicy, and hilarious Brit.

Together, Linda and Tony built a home full of children, laughter, sports, friends, family gatherings, and plenty of animals! To Linda, family was never limited to blood. Friends, coworkers, neighbors, and their families were all part of her ever-growing circle of love.

Mom was incredibly creative, known for her beautiful cakes and award-winning gingerbread houses. From handmade costumes and chocolates to painted ceramics, refinished furniture, and an extraordinary handmade dollhouse, there wasn't much she couldn't make beautiful!

But her greatest gift was her heart. Mom cared deeply about people and was always looking for ways to help. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, wanted, and loved, whether she'd known them for five minutes or a lifetime.

She was fiercely loyal, wonderfully funny, remarkably intuitive, and protective of those she loved. Her kindness, creativity, humor, determination, loyalty, and feisty spirit live on in her children and grandchildren.

Above all, Linda wanted her family to love one another, forgive each other, and stay together. She believed family didn't have to be perfect. It just had to keep loving.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Anthony Urena; her children and their families: Christopher and Patricia Urena; Michael Urena and Naoko Shimakowa-Urena, and their children Mari Anne and Ken Shimakowa-Urena; Jeffrey and Valerie Urena, and their children Jade, Lea, Eva, and Kaylee Urena; and Jennifer Urena-Yearsley and Alexander Yearsley, and their daughter Leanna Urena.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at McClure's Funeral Service, 1030 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253. The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Livestream viewing information will be provided.

Linda leaves us with a beautiful reminder that love isn't just something we say. It's something we do. And through all the lives she touched, her love will continue for generations to come.