South Deerfield, Linda Ann (Bacon) Graves passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017, surrounded by her family, at Baystate Medical Center after an unexpected health emergency.  Linda was born on February 26, 1943, in Pelham, Massachusetts, to Carlton and Merle (Thornton) Bacon.  Linda attended Pelham and Amherst Schools, and graduated from Greenfield Community College with a degree in Accounting. 

Linda leaves her three sons and daughter: Thomas, his wife Susan of Dover, NH., David of Belchertown, MA., Robert of Bernardston, MA., and Kelly of South Deerfield, MA.  Linda also leaves her four beloved grandchildren Megan of Dover, NH, Steven of Portsmouth, NH, Haylee of Bernardston, MA, and Nicholas of Gardner, MA.  As well as her sister Sandra Potyrala of Hadley, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and her Aunt Kathleen of RI. She was also “Mom” to James Boden of Keene, NH and his wife Beverly, and “Grammy Linda” to their three children, Ryan, Michael and Brianna, as well as several close and dear friends.

When Linda’s children were young she worked part-time at various jobs, and then later began a full-time career as a local realtor for almost 30 years retiring in 2013. Linda very much enjoyed her career because she loved getting to know her clients and she always wanted to make sure they found their perfect home. Linda’s number one priority was always her children and family.  Linda mainly raised her four children by herself with help from her mother and sister, and could always be found at every one of their games (cheering them loudly on), recitals, bad play performances, etc., no matter the distance to get there.  Linda’s love of sports continued with her grandchildren and favorite teams.  She would travel near and far to watch her grandchildren’s games and performances.  Additionally, when her daughter coached local Little League she could often be found at Mill River cheering on those kids as well.  Linda loved having all of her children’s friends over, hosting gatherings, cooking large dinners for family, friends and her children’s various teams, and baking her famous graham cracker cream pie after her children’s basketball games.  Linda’s favorite place to spend time was at the ocean, in particular her many family vacations on Martha’s Vineyard.  She was happiest sitting on the beach watching her kids and grandkids swimming and playing games. Her children feel so very blessed that she was their mother. 

Linda was a huge fan of many teams, but she would never miss Duke Basketball or a Boston Red Sox game. Linda enjoyed her past bowling leagues, playing all types of card games, knitting afghans, socks, scarfs, and hats, baking breads and desserts for her family and friends, doing her puzzles/crosswords, and traveling.  Linda traveled extensively and was always up for a road trip adventure.

When remembering Linda many people said that she was the most giving of persons; someone who went above and beyond for all those around her; the most organized and detailed of individuals; and someone who loved spending time with family and friends.

Linda was predeceased by a sister in infancy, her father (1968), her mother (2015), brother-in-law Chester Potyrala (2005), and various aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.  Linda’s ex-husband Myron W. Graves III also predeceased her in 2015.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA., on Thursday, January 26, 2017, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Linda’s honor at St. Bridges Church in Amherst, MA., on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:00am.  A lunch reception in Linda’s honor will take place following the church service.  A private burial will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Linda’s honor to the “Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift