Linda K. Nook

Linda K. Nook (Diagostine), age 73, passed away on March 12, 2026, at her home in Sarasota, Florida. Linda was born on May 7, 1952, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to George and Jeannal Diagostine. The oldest of four children. Linda graduated from Merrill (WI) High School in 1970, and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, with the goal of becoming a teacher. While at college, she met her future husband, Bob Nook, and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Education. Linda and Bob were married on June 19, 1976, and moved to San Jose, California, where Linda began her teaching career before moving to Rancho Murieta, a suburb of Sacramento. After being awarded teacher of the year in the Elk Grove school district, Linda was encouraged to pursue her master’s degree in Education, graduating from Sacramento State University. Life in Northern California brought new beginnings and cherished memories as Linda and Bob welcomed the births of their daughters, Lindsay in 1981, and Robyn in 1983. Looking for a new adventure, Linda and Bob moved to Sarasota in 1993, where Linda served first as principal of Fruitville Elementary School, then Sarasota Middle School from 1995-2001, and ultimately Riverview High School from 2001 to 2015. A trailblazer, Linda was the first woman to serve as principal of Riverview High School. Fully dedicated to her students, teachers, and staff, Linda tirelessly committed herself to helping others reach their full potential. As principal, Linda was entrusted with coordinating the design and construction of the new Riverview High School. Following her retirement in 2015, Linda was recognized for her steadfast leadership and honored by Riverview High School as a Legacy Award recipient for her dedicated service to the community. However, her proudest professional achievement was nurturing the countless number of caring, helpful, and enlightened former students and the dedicated teachers who guided them. In retirement, Linda remained an active member of the Sarasota community, volunteering at Tidewell Treasures and participating with the Ladies of Riverview. A doting “Nana” to three grandchildren, Linda often traveled to Oklahoma and Massachusetts for family vacations, school events, and athletic competitions. Ever the teacher, she was instrumental in establishing her grandchildren’s love of learning. Linda is survived by her husband, Bob; daughters Lindsay Nichols (Jacob) of Bixby, Oklahoma and Robyn Kiernan (Dermot) of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren Aaron Nichols, Ryann Kiernan, and Conall Kiernan; brothers Scott Diagostine (Marcia) of Rapid City, South Dakota; Dean Diagostine (Ginger) of Bixby, Oklahoma, sister Jenny Flegner (Dewey) of Merrill, Wisconsin; and sister-in-law Chris Nook of Sarasota, Florida; 7 nieces and nephews; and 3 grand nieces and nephews. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at the Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking friends to consider donating to Linda’s scholarship fund, which supports Riverview High School students. https://rhsfoundation.org/scholarships/linda-nook-leadership-award/

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Linda K. Nook

May 7, 1952 - March 12, 2026