Linda Ann Cantey Slonim, 76, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Born on August 6, 1949, in Charleston, SC, Linda was the daughter of the late Nettie Louise (Wright) Cantey and the late John William Cantey.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an award-winning teacher, artist, and avid reader and writer. She loved music, photography, travelling to new places, far and near, seeking out adventures, often with her beloved boxers by her side.

Linda was a graduate of North Charleston High School, Class of 1967, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Carolina in June, 1971. Following her wedding on July 4, 1971, she began her travels as a Navy Wife and supported her husband’s service in Seattle, Washington, San Diego, California, and Charleston, South Carolina. While living in San Diego, she earned a Master of Arts in 1978 from San Diego University. She went back to school earning an Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in 1996 and a Doctor of Education in 2001 from the University of South Carolina.

Linda had an unlimited curiosity about the world around her; she was a special needs teacher in both California and at Stiles Point Elementary School and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was recognized in 1988 as the South Carolina Computer Using Teacher of the Year by the South Carolina Council of Computing Educators. In 1988-89 Linda was the Teacher of the Year at Stiles Point Elementary School. She was an active member of the Back Porch Story Tellers.

Linda did not believe that coloring inside the lines was important. When she met her husband in Greece while he was on deployment she included a four day cruise of the Aegean Sea on the agenda. When Richard returned to his ship the first meal in the wardroom with fellow officers was interesting, to say the least.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, John William Cantey and Nettie Louise (Wright) Cantey, and her nephew John Austin Keenan.

Linda is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard Gilven Slonim; son, Matthew Gilven Slonim (Torie); and grandsons Sawyer and Cooper Slonim. As well as her sisters Patricia Louise (Cantey) Bowen (Esley) of Irmo, South Carolina, Wilma (Cantey) Deddish, and her nieces K. Alane Golden and Kelly A. Golden.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on May 30th, beginning at 2:00 PM at McAlister-Smith followed by a drop in at Linda’s home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Carolina Aquarium in support of sea turtle care. Donate online at South Carolina Aquarium.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.