Linda Willard ... enjoyed canning, crocheting; at 99

ROCHESTER - Linda Willard, 99, of Salmon Falls Rd., Rochester, died on September 9, 2025, at the Hyder Family Hospice House. Born on June 9, 1926, in Malden, MA, she was the daughter of Vincenzo and Anne (Falone) Petris.

Linda attended school in Malden, Massachusetts and upon graduating worked part time at a dress shop in Boston before moving to Rochester, NH to raise her family.

Linda spent her life taking care of her family and volunteering for a number of organizations and groups including the Red Cross, Strafford County Extension Homemaker Group, Community Clothing Shop, and the Holy Rosary Mercy Circle. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Holy Rosary Church.

Her hobbies included knitting, canning, crocheting, cooking, baking, reading, and she was a Boston Bruins fan.

She enjoyed sending her family and friends greeting cards and never missed a special occasion.

She was predeceased by her husband Ted, who died in 2014, and her sister Lillian Milanese.

Linda is survived by her children Carol (Michael) Dumont, Eric Willard, and Steven Willard; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren; as well as her nephews, and other dear family members.

Linda was the definition of a strong matriarch. She was the head of a large family who was near and dear to her heart. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, guidance, and strength, and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.