Linda L. (Johnson) Valentine, 70, of Lunenburg, MA died peacefully at home on April 1, 2017 after a brief illness, her husband and son by her side.
She was born in Worcester in 1946, the daughter of Herbert and Irene Johnson and was predeceased by her sister Donna and brothers Carl and David.
She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Dr. Henry R. Valentine of Lunenburg, her son Christopher also of Lunenburg, her sister Melodee Richard of Worcester and several aunts, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews.
She attended Worcester public schools graduating from Commerce High School in 1964.
For many years she worked as a medical secretary in Worcester and at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston where her husband Henry attended optometry school as well as other jobs wherever she lived, all the while working at home managing all the required domestic activities.
As the eldest of five siblings, she had the responsibility of caring for the others, especially for her disabled sister Donna and brother David.
She was a beautiful person, kind, generous, caring, considerate and selfless who would always help those in need, friends and strangers alike. She always thought of others first and herself last. She hated to see people cry or in distress so she would go out of her way to comfort them in any way she could. Over the years she developed many lasting friendships wherever she lived.
Linda loved to cook, and, like her mother, what an amazing cook she was. She would look forward to every opportunity to prepare scrumptious meals not only on holidays
for the many guests, but on a daily basis as well.
She loved nature, animals, all animals, especially dogs and horses, and the great outdoors, and as a child would look forward to going to Girls Club summer camps. She was an especially talented artist winning first prize in a statewide art contest at an early age. Although she never nurtured this talent, due to life's demands, she continued to have a keen eye for color and decoration around the house. Her love of music and dance allowed her to become a part-time dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios for many years. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank the staff of Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice for the care, kindness and compassion they provided to Linda and her family.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 5-8 pm in the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 am in the funeral home. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click link.