Linda Jeanne Buck

Linda Jeanne Buck (Burton) was called home to heaven on the morning of Sunday, May 17, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut. Linda had recently returned to her loving family here in Connecticut after spending the last 15 years living in Pompano Beach, Florida. She was thrilled that the time was right to be back in New England, surrounded by caring people.

Linda was born on April 16 to Lloyd Ames Burton and Lora Lee Burton (Hice). She was one of three children. She was preceded in death by her loving sister, Candace Lee Anderson (Burton), and is survived by her supportive brother-in-law, Roy “Andy” Anderson. Linda’s brother, Meryl Burton, resides in Machias, Maine.

Linda married the love of her life, Thomas Clark Buck, in the early 1970s. As happens in many love stories, they were not meant to remain together, but they were forever connected through their daughter, Candace Lee Buck (Hoyas, Barriger). Thomas preceded her in death, but we are sure she has joyfully embraced their reunion and conversations once again. Linda also spent many years with her longtime companion, Gary DeSimone, with whom she lived in Pompano Beach until recently.

There were so many people who were important in Linda’s life. She was deeply loved by countless family members and friends. One friendship that remained the foundation of 71 of her 73 years was with her dear friend, Ms. Joannie Orzak. Please know she will always be watching over you and waiting to see you again when God says it is time.

Linda held her nieces and nephews close to her heart, even from afar. Jamie Anderson and the little red shoes he loved showing her when he was five years old; Cassie Briton (Lewis) and their special girl time and amazing hairstyling moments; Jesse Reynolds and his joyful singing and dancing at age eight; Dennis Burton, Denise Burton-Cossin, Samantha Wagner (Theriault), Kimberly Theriault, Caitlin Houston (Reynolds), Elizabeth Paglinco (Reynolds), and many more cherished family memories filled her heart with love.

She was also preceded in death by several nephews she loved dearly. We are sure she was welcomed with open arms by Brian Martin, who made her so nervous after she babysat him, and by Gary Martin, who was so young the last time they saw each other. Most especially, she is now reunited with Joey Anderson, whom she missed deeply and often.

The light of Linda’s life was her daughter, Candace. For much of Candace’s childhood, it was just the two of them. They shared laughter, tears, and conversations about nearly everything, including the famous “Buck Luck.” While Candace was the love of Linda’s life, the true heart and soul of her world were her two grandsons, Jeremy and Thomas Barriger. You could not spend more than five minutes with Linda without hearing about them. She took being a proud grandmother to an entirely new level, and her grandsons brought her immeasurable joy.

In honor of Linda’s love for her grandsons, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to on line through: https://everloved.com/life-of/linda-buck/ or cards of condolence may be sent to: Zion Lutheran Church, att: Candace Buck, 235 Pond Hill Rd, Wallingford CT 06492

Family and friends are invited to gather at Zion Lutheran Church, 235 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford, Connecticut, on Thursday, June 4, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. Linda requested that we not be sad, but instead celebrate her life, her loved ones, and the time we share together. In that spirit, a Celebration of Life featuring music, her favorite foods, and time with family and friends will take place in the church hall at Zion Lutheran Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Family, including children, are warmly welcome.

May you find peace and happiness and always know that while Linda is no longer with us on Earth, she remains forever with us in spirit. She will continue watching over her grandsons as their lives blossom, guiding them every step of the way.

God bless you.