Linda J. Berry

Linda J. Berry, 70, of Claremont, New Hampshire, passed away at her home on September 4, 2026, after nearly a year under hospice care. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends for all the joy and light she brought into their lives. Linda was raised in Windsor, Vermont, before making her way to Claremont in the 1970s — a move that would define the rest of her life. For 31 years, she served as a paraprofessional in the Claremont school system, quietly shaping generations of students with patience, humor, and an unshakable belief in second (and third, and fourth) chances. Outside of school hours, Linda kept a simple but devoted set of priorities: a good cup of coffee — preferably from Dunkin', and preferably in hand at all times — a phone charged and ready for the next round of Candy Crush, and the company of her animals. Her cats, Smokey and Scout, and her dog, Cesear, were faithful companions. She also had a lifelong fondness for owls, and it was hard to visit her home without spotting one perched somewhere — whether on a shelf, a mug, or a throw. She was also a devoted Shinedown fan, and some of her favorite memories were made at their concerts alongside her boyfriend, Brad— proof that a great road trip and a good rock anthem never go out of style. She also enjoyed many motorcycle rides on the back of Brad's bike. She was also a dedicated fan of The Walking Dead, with a particular soft spot for Norman Reedus' character — Daryl Dixon. Linda is survived by her longtime partner, Brad Adams, and his daughters, Brittany and Melissa, and his grandsons, Thomas and Gabriel; her second husband, Charles Williams, and their son, Jarren Berry and his wife, Sarah, and their children, Jazzlyne, Adaleena, Camden, and Malcolm; Linda’s grandchildren, Jason and Brittney Seaver, and Ethan Martin; her great-grandson, Bryson; and her nieces, Charlene and LouAnne, and her closest friends De, Darlene, and Sandra Haines. Linda was predeceased by her parents, John and Ethel Pauline; her sister, Ann; her brother, James, who died in infancy; her daughter, Sonia; and her beloved cats, Shadow and Dakota, as well as two Golden retrievers, Aja and Bella, her longtime best friend Cindi; and her ex-husband, Brian. Linda's life was one of quiet devotion — to her students, to her family, and to the small daily joys that made the ordinary feel a little sweeter. She will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and her gift for making people feel at home. The family would also like to thank Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice for all the care and kindness they showed to Linda.

A memorial service will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont on Saturday, the 26th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sullivan County Humane Society ( https://sullivancountyhumanesociety.org for donation information).