Linda K. Blake

Linda Blake, 73, of Otter River MA, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. Born March 1, 1951, Linda was the daughter of Lester and Kathleen (“Kay”) Blake of Gardner.

Linda attended Gardner Public Schools, graduating from Gardner High in 1969. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Fitchburg State College in 1973. Linda’s career was mainly in manufacturing, including work at such local companies as Simplex Time Recorder, Collier-Keyworth Co., and Harrington and Richardson.

Linda was a lifelong lover of all kinds of sports and games, both as a participant and as a fan, especially of the Sox and the Pats. You would always want Linda on your team, whether for bowling, darts, horseshoes, Trivial Pursuit or especially softball. Forever a proud member of GHS’s undefeated softball team in 1969, Linda went on to play in numerous recreation leagues, where she always loved the action of the “hot corner” and then behind the plate. She also worked as an umpire in men’s rec leagues. Always up for music (especially bluegrass) and dancing, Linda was known for her comradery, sharp wit and sense of humor and was always fun to be around.

Linda’s family, who dearly miss her, includes her two brothers, Jim of Georgia and Kevin (Kim) of Athol, and her sister Sue of Greenfield -- with whom she regularly went to Ogunquit, Saratoga, and Tanglewood. Linda also leaves her niece, Dyan Adams (Jared), her nephew Daniel Blake (Laura), her cousins Carol Clark (Russ) and Kristy Livingston (Dale), and several great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as her loving neighbors, Jared, Jess, Dylan, and Wyatt Tambolleo, who were more like family and a very important part of her daily life.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, there are no formal services. A gathering for remembrance and celebration will be held at a later date.