MARTINSVILLE — Linda S. Young, of Martinsville, died unexpectedly, Friday, May 3, 2024 due to complications post-surgery. She was 79.

Born January 14, 1945, in Westwood, Massachusetts, Linda grew up in Westwood, the oldest of three children born to Burton Hunt and his wife, Jessie Sharpe Hunt. She attended Westwood High School, graduating in 1963 and spent a semester at UMaine Orono before marrying her first husband, Alonzo Smith, that same year. Two years later, the two divorced and she married Walter J. Young at the age of 22 – their daughter, Candace, was born in 1969. They were married for 25 years before his death in August 1992.

In 1994, she met John Robert ‘Bob’ McLain, the gentleman who would be her companion for the next 30 years, until her passing. Together, they made a lifetime of memories – both are blessed with many friends and maintained an active social life even as Linda’s health declined. As her health challenges mounted, Bob became more than a companion – he was a devoted caregiver who loved her completely, and she loved him back just as fiercely. He was by her side every possible moment and it was his care and compassion that allowed her to continue to live independently.

Linda loved to create and craft and did so all her adult life. She enjoyed beachcombing, and some of her earliest creations featured shells and seaglass. Later she moved into ornaments and cards, often selling her items at local craft fairs, which had the added bonus of allowing her to see old friends and coworkers. She loved British comedies, true crime and cooking shows – her DVR was always full to bursting. She was brutal at cribbage, as anyone she played against would attest, and was the person who added an “X” in Scrabble and racked up 50 points in one turn.

She adored her grandson, Brynn, and was an eager babysitter (as was Bob, who is also known in some circles as “Bebop,” the name Brynn created for him as a small child). The home of Nanny and Bebop was a place where tricycles were allowed in the house and bacon was always readily available. It was also a place where all felt welcome.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Candi and her husband Richard Davis; her grandson, Brynn Davis; her companion of 30 years Bob McLain; her brothers, Stephen Hunt of Knoxville, Tennessee, Gordon Hunt of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire; and many, many nieces and nephews.

There will be no memorial service, but a Celebration of Life will happen this summer, with a time to be determined.

If anyone wishes to honor Linda, please consider donating to the St. George Fire and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, St. Geroge, ME 04860, as these dedicated people were instrumental in aiding her in her later years.

To share a memory or condolence with Linda’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.