Linda Buchanan Mansfield

Linda Buchanan Mansfield, 83, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

A devoted nurse and lifelong advocate for compassionate care, Linda dedicated her career to both individual patients and broader causes. While raising her children in Jacksonville, Florida, she helped launch the city’s first healthcare center for the homeless. Her commitment to accessible healthcare earned her the 1994 Eve Award, honoring her groundbreaking work in service of underserved populations.

Later in her career, Linda served as a home health infusion nurse in Maryland and the greater Washington, DC area, continuing her mission of providing thoughtful, hands-on care to those in need.

Beyond her profession, Linda was an avid gardener and a passionate animal rescuer. Her final companion, Ginger the cat, was adopted from the APS of Durham—an organization close to her heart.

Linda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur Mansfield, and is survived by her children Bill Garoni (daughter-in-law Diane), Britt Garoni, and Carson Garoni (son-in-law Curt Hendrickson); her cherished grandson, Jackson Garoni; and her dear friend Tonya Buda, devoted to both Linda and Jackson. She is also survived by her brothers Ronald Buchanan (sister-in-law Linda Buchanan) and Eric Buchanan (sister-in-law Shelby Buchanan), and is predeceased by siblings Gloria Buchanan Vernon, Fred Buchanan, and Sandra Buchanan Munday.

Linda’s legacy is one of service, love, and unwavering compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, patients, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of Linda’s life, the family requests that donations be made to the Animal Protection Society of Durham: https://www.apsofdurham.org

Linda’s ashes will be interred alongside her husband Arthur at Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville, Maryland.