Linda Joan Margulies, 71, beloved wife, mother, and physician, passed away on January 14, 2026, surrounded by family at home after her courageous 5½-year battle with cancer.
Born in 1954, at Herrick Hospital in Berkeley, California, Linda was the daughter of Dr. Gerald S. Margulies and Norma Helen Rodin Margulies. She grew up in Piedmont and graduated from Piedmont High School in 1972, where she was active in student government, recycling, modern dance, and served as a junior varsity cheerleader.
Linda attended UC Davis, graduating cum laude in 1976. During her sophomore year, she met the love of her life, Jim, the "boy next door" on her coed dormitory floor. On their first date, they saw the animated classic Fantasia. They were happily married for 46 wonderful years.
As part of the Education Abroad Program, Linda spent her junior year studying biochemistry at the University of Sussex in England. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and shared a memorable spring break trip with her mother riding the rails through Scotland.
Following her father's footsteps, Linda pursued medicine, becoming an ophthalmologist. After medical school and an internship at George Washington University (Class of 1981), she completed an ophthalmology residency at UC Davis, where she was among the first women residents in a male-dominated surgical specialty, setting the stage for future women in ophthalmology. She later completed a prestigious retina-vitreous fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis.
Linda returned to California to become Chief of Ophthalmology at the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System and a Clinical Professor at UC Davis. During her 40 years at the VA, she developed and staffed ophthalmology departments throughout Northern California from Redding to Oakland, ensuring veterans received comprehensive, high-quality eye care. She also served as a principal investigator for the AREDS 2 NIH macular degeneration trials, making the Northern California VA the only VA site in this important national study.
One of Linda's greatest pleasures while working at the VA was teaching and mentoring ophthalmology residents, medical students, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Linda was much beloved by the residents and was recognized for her efforts in 2017 by receiving both the UC Davis Outstanding Resident Teaching award and Alumna of the Year award.
Nationally, Linda was an original member and served for 20-plus years on the Ophthalmology Federal Field Advisory Group, advising the federal government on quality eyecare. Linda was also active in multiple federal, regional, and local VA leadership roles, including serving as the President of the Association of VA Ophthalmologists. For 20 years, Linda was honored to serve as an Associate Examiner administering the oral examinations for the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Linda retired in 2023 as the Chief of Eyecare Services after serving 40 years at the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System and as a member of the UC Davis Ophthalmology faculty. Linda was considered a "Legend" within the VA and UC Davis.
Linda's greatest joy in life was her two children, Max and Patrick. She loved reminiscing about their many Boy Scout adventures and field trips. Linda was deeply proud of the men they have become and of their character, integrity, and accomplishments.
Linda and Jim shared a love of travel, creating lasting memories with their sons on trips to national parks and destinations including Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Europe. Those journeys reflected Linda's joy in discovery and her appreciation for time spent together as a family.
Friends and family knew Linda for her intellect and her remarkable ability to ask thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful, heartfelt conversations. She was deeply devoted to her career and her mission, guided by a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, and purpose that touched everyone around her.
Linda will be remembered with great love and admiration by her husband Jim, her son Max and daughter-in-law Megan, her son Patrick and his partner Emma, her sisters Judge Sandra Margulies, and Diane Borchers, as well as extended family and friends.
Linda's family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Andrew Ko and the oncology team of UCSF.
To honor Linda's lifelong dedication to teaching and mentoring ophthalmology residents, memorial contributions may be made to the "Linda J. Margulies, M.D. Endowed Fund for Resident Education" at the UC Davis Eye Center, that will honor her legacy and continue her commitment to training the next generation of physicians; via https://give.ucdavis.edu/MOPH/125896. Checks can be made out to UC Davis Foundation, and in the memo line please indicate "Linda Margulies Resident Education Endowment", and mail to UC Davis Health Sciences Development, PO Box 160186, Sacramento, CA 95816.