Hadley, Linda R. Rutkowski, 63, of Hadley passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Her son, Sean A. Martin was by her bedside. Born March 24, 1954 in Ware, MA she was the daughter of the late Henry and Evelyn (LaValley) Martin.

Those who knew and loved Linda, knew that she had big heart, enjoyed the simpler side of life, and had the strength and courage comparable to that of a warrior. Linda devoted her life to her family, her friends, and her home. With an eye of an interior decorator, combined with her natural creativity, Linda could make any room or old relic look remarkable when she was finished with it. When Linda wasn’t at home brainstorming her next household project idea, or out spoiling her grandchildren, you could be certain that she and her long-term companion Raymond, were out browsing the weekend tag sales looking for more treasures to bring home. Linda’s affinity for people, interior decorating, and keeping an immaculate home, were all quality traits that were well suited to her occupation as a housekeeper. Linda worked as both a private and professional housekeeper for many years in the local area until she retired from Applewood of Amherst in 1999. After retirement, Linda enjoyed spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, family, and her friends. Prior to moving to Hadley, MA in December 2017, Linda was a resident of College Highway Apartments in Easthampton, MA. While living there, Linda developed many, long-lasting friendships with the other residents who contributed to her trying new activities and games. In fact, many days, you could find Linda and other residents, downstairs in the community room sharing stories, building puzzles together, or playing one of Linda’s favorite games “cornhole”.

She leaves behind a son, Sean A. Martin of Meridianville, Alabama; a daughter, Valena M. Rutkowski of Belchertown, MA; a step-daughter, Leah Buzzee and her family of Westhampton, MA; 6 grandchildren, Derek, Seth, and Rebecca Martin of Meridianville, Alabama; Travis Martin of Louisville, KY and Paige and Peyton Dias of Belchertown, MA. She also leaves behind her companion of several years, Raymond Basara of Leverett; a brother, Robert Martin and his wife Sue of Belchertown; three sisters, Sandra Dix of Haydenville, MA; Joan Dion and her husband Richard of Easthampton, MA; Mary Martin of Belchertown; as well as, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by two sisters, Carol Jenks and Debra Zola; a brother Henry R. Martin Sr; and her ex-husband and close friend Ronald R. Rutkowski.

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the American Legion, 74 Pleasant St., Granby, MA from 2:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters 1200 Hosford Street, Suite 101 Hudson, WI 54016-9316