Dr. Linda Davis Caren
April 17, 1941-March 14, 2024
San Jose, California

Dr. Linda Davis Caren was born on April 17, 1941, in Corsicana, Texas. Her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and Linda moved almost annually during her childhood, including time in Brazil and Japan. Learning how to make new friends so often may have been why she was blessed with so many wonderful friends throughout her entire adult life.

Linda attended Ohio State University for her Bachelor's degree, graduating as valedictorian in only three years. It was also at Ohio State that she met her lifelong husband, Chris, who passed away in 2017 after 54 years of marriage. She accepted a scholarship to Stanford University for her Master’s and Ph.D. in Immunology. She was among the earliest women to achieve doctoral status in her area – an accomplishment that is thankfully much more commonplace today.

Dr. Caren was a tenured Professor at Santa Clara University and later taught at California State University, Northridge. Her research included analyzing the effects of stress on the immune system, and in partnership with NASA, she did similar research on immunity in zero-gravity environments.

Linda loved nothing more than parenting and grandparenting. She was an incredible and deeply loved mother who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of her family. She is survived by her sons Chris, wife Melissa, and Michael, wife Grace; grandchildren Matthew, Maya, Lili, Sophia, Mary, and Grace; sister Marcia and husband Dixon; sister-in-law Chary; nephews Andy, Brooks, and JooNam; nieces Alison and Robin.

A service will be held at the Vi Residences at 620 Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 27th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.

Tags: teacher/educator