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Linda Hopkins Gillman lived a life that exemplified the power of love, curiosity, and selflessness. Born on July 28, 1949 and raised in Thomaston, Connecticut, Lin's journey was one marked by unwavering dedication to her family, a thirst for knowledge, and a heart that knew no bounds. On June 1, 2025, in Leominster, Massachusetts, Lin succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide.
Lin's life was a testament to the enduring strength of love. She shared 55 beautiful years with her beloved husband, John W. Gillman, who predeceased her in 2003. Together, they built a family founded on mutual respect and affection. Her devotion to her children, Nancy Saucier and John Gillman, shone brightly as she nurtured their dreams and celebrated their triumphs. As a mother-in-law to Michael Saucier and Tiara Gillman, Lin extended her warmth and support, embracing them as her own. Her role as a grandmother to Marlow, Jackson, Eric, Lucas, and Cienna was one she cherished deeply, imparting wisdom and joy in equal measure.
After her career as an Army wife and dedicated mother, Lin worked as a receptionist and in accounting for Heritage Insurance where her tenure was marked by her incredible work ethic and the genuine connections she fostered with colleagues and clients alike. Her intelligence was not confined to the workplace; it was evident in her love for history and her pursuit of lifelong learning.
Lin's interests were reflections of her multifaceted personality. A voracious reader, she found solace and excitement in the pages of books. History was not only a subject of fascination but a lens through which she understood the world, drawing lessons from the past to inform the present. Before her sight deteriorated, her skillful hands brought beauty and joy into the world through cross-stitch and other crafts.
The words "selfless," "loving," and "insatiably curious" do not merely describe Lin; they embody the essence of who she was. Her selflessness was her compass, guiding her actions and enabling those who had the privilege of her support to accomplish more than they thought possible. Her love was a force that bound her family together, a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life. Her natural curiosity was contagious and encouraged a pursuit of knowledge that went beyond the conventional.
As we remember Lin, we will not dwell on the sorrow, but celebrate the remarkable impact she made on every life she touched. Lin's life was one of purpose, that reminds us to cherish our loved ones, and to contribute to the world with the best of who we are. Though Lin has embarked on her final journey, the light she has left behind will never dim.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: https://ginnyshelpinghand.org/donate/ ginnyshelpinghands@gmail.com
Calling hours for Linda will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5 ~7pm at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St. Leominster. Private burial.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda H. (Hopkins) Gillman, please visit our floral store.