November 29, 1946 – May 26, 2018
Gina Maria Ladinsky was born on Nov. 29, 1946, and passed away on May 26 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her sons, Keith and Tyler, and a beloved friend to all she knew.
Gina was born in Los Angeles where she was raised by Joseph and Lorraine Sodaro. She attended Hamilton High School and went on to study zoology at Cal State University, Long Beach.
After college, Gina trained at Cedars-Sinai Hospital as a medical technologist and worked for many years in this field. She later earned a master’s degree in creative writing at USC, which led to a long career as an accomplished writer and novelist.
Gina worked many years as an associate professor of English at Los Angeles Mission College. In 2012 Gina published her first novel, “Stella Silvers and the Secret.”
Gina was a sensitive and caring soul who felt most comfortable in nature. Her love of the outdoors drew her to explore the steep slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and, in turn, to become an expert skier.
Gina also loved the ocean and, at the age of 50, she learned to surf. Gina became an avid surfer who could commonly be found surfing Sunset, Malibu or Topanga.
Additionally, Gina loved hiking in Topanga State Park, trimming her roses and tending to her garden. Surfing and hiking became her primary ways to enjoy life.
Her love of nature inspired her to become a vocal advocate for animal rights, equal rights and environmental stewardship. She was actively engaged with the Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay and Boarding House Mentors.
Gina was a smart, strong and sassy woman. She had a great sense of humor. To know her was to love her.
When Gina wasn’t surfing or hiking, she dedicated her time and energy to her two sons, her mother Lorraine, her home and her wonderful dogs: Luna, Rocky and Thunder.
Gina loved Hawaii and would frequently slip away to her family’s condo in Lahaina, Maui. As an intrepid spirit, her travels brought her to Alaska, Mexico, Italy and Kenya—but her heart was always at her home in Pacific Palisades.
Gina’s memory lives on through her two sons, Keith and Tyler, her brother, Stephen, her daughter-in-law, Jennifer, her grand-dog, Mr. Flynn, and her many friends and colleagues.
A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, June 30, in the Palisades. Email gladinsky@gmail.com for details.
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