Linda Ceceil Gardner, 70, of Cohasset, MA, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on June 20, 2022, following a brave battle with cancer.

Beloved daughter of the late Kendall Anderson, Linda is survived by her mother, Shirley Anderson, and brother, Gary Anderson, as well as her husband of 42 years, Garry Gardner, and the beautiful family they created together: daughters Grace Gardner (husband Ken Bopf), Emma Gardner (husband Amit Tantri) and Lucy Gardner as well as three granddaughters, Oona and Dahlia Bopf and Pearl Tantri.

Linda will be remembered by her family and many friends as a kind and creative person with a love for storytelling. Throughout her life, this innate kindness, nurtured creativity, and passion for great stories would shape her important relationships and work in various unique ways to the great benefit of those around her.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Linda spent her early years in the Midwest before the Anderson family moved to Scituate, MA, when she was 12 years old. For the next six decades, the South Shore would be her home base – it is where she developed many life-long friendships and was proud to raise her family.

While raising her daughters in Cohasset, Linda became well known throughout town for her appreciation and vast knowledge of flowers and gardening skills. During this time, she was an active member of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church and worked at Buttonwoods Books and Toys in Cohasset and Hingham. Her community is better for having shared in her singing, flower arranging and her determination to find the absolute right book or toy for each curious child that came through Buttonwood's doors.

As her girls grew up and her immediate family expanded, Linda found more time to dig into genealogy research. She tirelessly upheld the legacy of family stories through the carefully curated collection of photos, artifacts, and knowledge that she pieced together to memorialize the lives and achievements of her family members, both past and present.

As a daughter, sister, wife, mother and loyal friend, Linda was a role model for her daughters and granddaughters. She consistently put others before herself and was happiest when surrounded by her family, hosting elaborate holidays and celebrations. Her warm eyes, beaming smile and infectious laugh will never be forgotten by those who loved her.

On Thursday, July 14, 2-8 p.m., the Gardner family will open Linda's Beechwood Street home to friends and family to offer condolences and visit among Linda's favorite things.

To celebrate Linda's life and legacy, please consider planting something new in your own garden to remember her by. Donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in her name are also welcome and appreciated.