HARDWICK – Linda Ann Kinney, 76, of the Mackville area in Hardwick, died unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, November 10.
She was born October 1, 1948, in Hardwick, the daughter of the late Robert Thornton Kinney and Flora (Peggy) Margaret (Darling) Kinney. She graduated from Hardwick Academy in the class of 1965.
Linda attended four years of college at the University of Vermont and continued her education at Johnson State College graduating in the class of 1970, with a degree in education.
She was a kindergarten teacher for three years on the Island of Kwai, Hawaii. Returning to Hardwick, she accepted a teaching position at Hardwick Elementary School where she was a first-grade teacher for 38 years. After teaching she retired and began spending more of her time volunteering.
Linda was a dedicated member of the United Church of Hardwick, Circle No. 7, spending many hours serving the church. She also was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed crafts, puzzles, reading, writing, cooking and traveling. Maine and Arizona were two of her favorite vacation spots. On one trip to Arizona, Linda visited a Native American cliff dwelling. She had read about this site and was determined to experience it in person. She fully immersed herself in the area and learned all she could so she could bring the experience to her students. She was an educator who never stopped learning. She had a great love for children and will be fondly remembered by her many students throughout the years.
Survivors include her stepsiblings, Nancy Rogers of Hardwick, Elaine Peake of Hyde Park, Dennis Williams of Milton, Arthur Williams and Donna Perry, both of Hardwick; step-nieces and step-nephews and many cousins. Linda will also be deeply missed by her Siamese cats, Coco and Pepper.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at the United Church of Hardwick with Pastor Avril Cochran officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Linda’s memory to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. For donations call (800) 942-0149 or on the web guidingeyes.org.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com
