Linda was born on April 24, 1947 in Salem, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late James and Evelyn (Hutchinson) Dearstyne. Linda was raised and educated in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School in 1965. After graduation, Linda attended the Pierce Secretarial School, where she earned her Secretarial certificate.
Linda married her husband, Alan Paul Ware, on August 17, 1968, in Saugus and the couple shared more than 46 years of marriage. After they were married, Linda and Alan lived in Lynn and North Reading for a short time before settling in Wilmington in 1970, where they raised their three sons; Mark, Jim and Paul.
Linda worked for Analog briefly before she started to work with her true passion of flowers. She worked as a designer for other people before starting her own floral design business; Simple Pleasures. Linda was a talented designer who truly loved her job.
In her spare time, Linda’s favorite hobbies were gardening and fishing. Linda was a member of the North Reading Garden Club where she once held the position of president of the club. She also loved to listen to music; some of her favorite artists included Neil Diamond and Julio Iglesias. Linda enjoyed going to plays at the North Shore Music Theater with her family and friends. She also loved to travel, especially taking cruises in the Caribbean.
Linda was an avid participant in the Girl Scouts during her younger years. The bonds and relationships she formed there continued throughout her life. Her troop still has biannual reunions with the former scouts and their beloved leader, Edna Tilley.
Linda’s main focus was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, “Grammy,” and sister. Any chance for a family gathering, Linda was delighted. She recently got a chance for her entire family to get together for an afternoon of laughter and fun. Linda thought this was the best time; just being with her family.
Linda will be remembered for her constant smile and her remarkable strength. She will be truly missed by those that knew and loved her.
Linda was the beloved wife of Alan Paul Ware, devoted mother of Mark Ware & his wife, Amy of North Carolina, Jim Ware & his wife, Karin of Dracut, and Paul Ware & his wife, Katie of Wilmington, loving “Grammy” of Nantahala, Tully, Miles, Tyler, Alyssa, Madison, John, Mackenzie and Michael, cherished daughter of the late James and Evelyn (Hutchinson) Dearstyne, dear sister of Eric Dearstyne & his wife, Joan of Lynnfield. Linda is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours on Sunday, August 24th from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc. 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington. Linda’s Funeral Service will be held at the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com
