Linda Palmer

Linda H. Palmer, age 81, of Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 23, 2026, after a short period of declining health. She was surrounded by such love when she left this world for her new beginning of eternal peace. Her body was tired, but her mind was sharp. She made it very clear that she could not live her life as she always had with the body she had at the end. Being independent and moving was everything to her. And in her true fashion she made quick work of departing from her body in this world. A blessing for her but too quick for the family and friends that she leaves behind. She was known as Mom, Nonnie and Friend to all.

Linda was born on Aug. 18, 1945, in Glen Cove, Long Island NY, daughter to the late Arthur James Hoe and Elizabeth Vaughn Reed Hoe. At the age of 2 she moved with her family to Weston, CT. Her childhood years there were filled with adventure and love.

Education was always very important to her. Her high school years were spent at the Buxton School in Williamstown, MA and her college years at Wheelock College in Boston, MA. Linda earned a BS in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. The foundation of teaching was formed, and she used that to build a lifetime of teaching. She tested the waters of teaching in New York City and quickly decided that the city was not where she wanted to be. She was destined to live in a country community and teach the children there. Her lasting mark was left on all that she taught in Burke, VT for 20+ years. Her patient ways and smile touched so many over the years. Always encouraging, never forcing her lessons for one to learn. And repeating, when necessary, with extreme grace. (Anneka’s teenage years) Linda never gave up on anyone, always saw the best in everyone.

Linda had great passion and beliefs for the world being a better place. She was someone who was not afraid to publicly show disagreement, opposition or strong disapproval toward policy, action or societal issues. She was proud of her participation in civil rights marches and other events. She did not hesitate to stand up and be present.

Known as Mom to Anneka & Erica. She was their biggest supporter and cheerleader! From the days of figure skating and Vt Children’s Theater for Erica, the countless hours of travel and sewing were never a burden but a joy to her. For Anneka she possessed a gentle strength that could never be broken. She was the one who knew that extra spunk would create a leader years later. Her kindness was her strength, and her heart was their sanctuary. She encouraged them to be who they are today.

Skiing was woven into the fabric of Linda’s life. Her spirit was most alive when gliding down a snow-covered mountain. She learned to ski at a young age from her father and was still skiing at the top of Burke Mtn last ski season. Oh, what a deal that her season ski pass only cost $25 once she turned 80! Linda’s didn’t just ski, she had incredible style. She was beautiful to watch coming down the Mountain. Teaching continued onto the slopes, from being a ski instructor at Stratton Mtn to teaching her grandchildren the art of skiing. Caiden was the one grandson who fully appreciated the sport with her and shared her passion. They left their deepest joys and finest memories carved into the winter snow. Skiing wasn’t just a hobby; it was her way of life.

Family memories were made in York Beach, Maine. Linda started the tradition of summer trips when her girls were young and ended this last summer making memories with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She gave the gift of tradition and making memories to her family. She showed everyone the importance of making that time together. Riding the waves, collecting seashells, looking for crabs, visits to the Nubble Lighthouse, lobster dinners at Fox’s, candy at the Goldenrod, shopping, taking pictures and sitting on the beach surrounded by family are the moments that mattered to her. Sandy feet, happy heart! She was proud of her family. Nothing gave her more joy. “The sand may brush off, the salt may wash clean, the tans may fade, but memories will last forever.”

Animals were always in Linda’s life. In one form or another. Companionship was modeled and encouraged through having pets. Ashley was the granddaughter that shared this with her. Horses brought joy to them both. Many priceless hours were spent with their beloved Kokopelli. The symbolism of a horse represents the deep motivation and stamina that carries one through life’s challenges. And this Linda did. Anything life threw at her she moved forward with a smile. She formed plans and things were better. She could not see the sense of getting all upset. She led her life with good intent, optimism, cheerfulness and hope.

The art of play between a grandmother and her grandchildren is a distinct form of magic. And magic is exactly what she gave every one of her grandchildren in their younger years. Starting with the older ones 30 years ago and continued with the younger ones until the day she left us. She and Carson could be lost in this world of play for hours. From acting out Little Red Riding Hood to playing endless games at the table to baking cookies. “Hey Nonnie” will forever be remembered by all. The special times with Lilith included sharing her special Christmas village, that was displayed each year at child level, and the dollhouse. Countless hours were spent together in her living room. The words “No” and “Be Careful” did not exist in the world of play with her grandchildren. She was always game for anything suggested by them! Her Great-Grandchildren were an added bonus. Oh, how she loved them. At any given time, she would appear at daycare to visit with them or follow them around taking pictures at family events.

Linda lived a vibrant life and found a wonderful outlet for relaxation in the focus and fulfillment of tackling puzzles. She would “lose track of time” while being engrossed in a puzzle. We knew to call her with a reminder of the time if she was expected somewhere. Puzzles were an opportunity for anyone to spend time with her. Age and ability did not matter. It was the quiet time together that was cherished. Brock, with his dry humor, gave his last birthday present to his Nonnie; a pure white puzzle of 1000 pieces! She laughed and laughed and thought that would be quite a challenge. Her family will put this together in her honor. They will be reminded of the consistent patience that was always displayed to them.

A life well-lived is like a beautiful view. Linda did indeed have both. Her house/property on the top of Pudding Hill was her treasure. Her home brought her pure comfort and emotional peace. Looking out at the beautiful view every day was enough for her. It filled her soul and she was complete. The thought of giving that up was always pushed aside and she held true that she would call that home until the end. Danielle appreciated the land on the hill with her Nonnie and used it to bridge the generations. Together they blended the older family traditions and history with youthful energy and modern perspectives. Nonnie understood her respect and love of nature with a wilderness hunt. Always relying strictly on her primitive skills, physical endurance, and traditional fair-chase ethics. The grounds were hers to hunt with her family. Congratulations were always given when the hunt was successful.

Linda loved her sons-in-law and grandsons-in-law. She approved of their devotion to their strong, sassy women from this family. These were the sons she never had. She must have chuckled at times, thinking that she had done her time and now it was theirs!

Anneka & Mike had created a safe haven at their farmhouse on the hill in Kirby. This was a place for the family to gather. Linda and Judy were two peas in a pod and were welcomed to family dinners every Sunday. Pork chops and dilly beans from the farmers market were always favorites. No matter what, Mike was honored to cook for the family. Be it 4 or 24 members . The empty chair and the heart squeeze will take time to adapt to, as we remember our Nonnie. She will be a part of our lives forever.

A life well lived leaves behind a trail of beautiful memories. Linda always had a smile on her face. She was welcoming to everyone she came into contact with. She had a true art of connecting with others. We will remember her when we bake a Nonnie’s Fabulous Apple Pie, when we experience a sunset on Willoughby Lake, when we walk barefoot on a beach, when we gather as a family for events, when we see a Gladiolus in bloom, when we smell lilacs in the spring, when we ski down a Mtn in fresh powder, when we eat lunch at King Arthur Flour, when we buy gifts for someone special or see an Origami paper crane. She was the best Mom, Nonnie and Friend anyone could ask for. A true and genuine member of the community. She will be missed but not forgotten. We raise our glasses to you, Linda, and we commend everything that you shared with us and taught us! We relish in the celebration of your life!

A sincere, heartfelt thank you to all of Linda’s kindred spirits. You are an amazing group of friends that truly enriched her life. Whatever part you played; skiing, walking, kayaking, concerts, swimming, mahjong, or sharing a conversation with her, meant everything to her. We are forever grateful to you and please know your kindness did not go unnoticed.

Linda is survived by her children Anneka & Mike Bickford and Erica & Hawk Thompson; Grandchildren: Ashley & Jake Gorham, Desiree Bickford, Danielle & Justin Nowicki, Brock Bickford, Caiden Bickford, Adrianna Bickford ,Carson Bickford and Lilith Thompson; Great-Grandchildren: Gracen & Hadley Gorham, Hayden & Colton Nowicki and Isabella & Waylon Collins; Brothers: Richard M. Hoe, Michael Boughton, Thomas Boughton, David Boughton, Jonathon Boughton and Nathaniel Boughton; Niece: Devon Mann & family.

She was predeceased by her father, Arthur James Hoe; mother, Elizabeth Vaughn Reed Hoe; Brother, Arthur James (Jimmy) Hoe JR and sister, Vaughn Ku’ulei Hoe.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, 4-6pm, at Guibord-Pearsons Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Linda’s name can be made to Burklyn Arts Council P.O Box 1056 Lyndonville, VT 05851

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.