In loving memory of

Linda D Graham
June 2, 1957 - July 14, 2019

Linda D. Graham
June 2, 1957- July 14, 2019

As the daughter of dairy farmers, Linda Drew Graham learned to value nature and the gifts it provided to those who sought them. A lifelong gardener, fisherman, and hunter, she passed her ability to make use of the earth's abundance to her children.

Linda, 62, of Olivebridge, New York, died from cancer, Sunday, July 14, 2019, at her home near the beautiful hills and green pastures where she grew up.

Born on June 2, 1957, in Margaretville, New York, Linda was the fifth of Howard and Marjorie Drew's five children. She attended grade school and high school in Andes, New York, and married Nelson (Rusty) Graham in Margaretville, on September 13, 1975.

After Rusty and Linda's two sons, Aaron and Bryan, were born, family became Linda's main focus. She loved being a mother. An incredible cook and baker, Linda proudly grew food in her garden, using her imagination to create family meals with her harvest.

Linda's first full time job other than raising her family was with a close family friend, Tom Stratton, building his custom house. She started as a laborer, and after two years, knew how to build a house. She also worked at Woodstock Chimes for several years. In 2004, Linda began work as a corrections officer for the Ulster County Sheriff's Department in Kingston, New York. She welcomed the opportunity to help others, working as a guard at the jail and helping transport inmates, later becoming corrections assistant. She was beloved and respected by both colleagues and inmates, treating all people she encountered with equal kindness. She worked until very recently.

When she became grandmother, aka Oma, to Emmett, Annika, and Zoey, Linda hosted tea parties in the living room, and shared puzzles, Play-Doh, and cuddles on the couch with them. Hunting for toy treasures at yard sales became one of her favorite pastimes.

Compassionate and thoughtful, Linda preferred to help others rather than have anyone worry about her. Linda and Rusty cherished spending time with family, and treasured their trips to coastal Maine, where they savored the lobster rolls and lighthouses.

She is survived by her husband, Nelson Graham, of Olivebridge, NY; her sons, Aaron Graham of Olivebridge, NY, Bryan (Dahlia) Graham of Kingston, NY; her siblings, John (Sharon) Drew of Andes, NY, Don (Peg) Drew of Troy, NY, Jim (Leslie) Drew of New Hampshire, Jane Drew of Andes, NY; her grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her parents and parents-in-law preceded Linda in death.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY, where family and friends may visit on Friday, July 19, 2019, from 4pm to 7pm.

For those who wish, contributions in Linda's memory may be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation at bcrf.org.

A tribute for Linda can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.

Tributes

Amber Norman wrote on Aug 9, 2019:

"May she RIP a beautiful soul! A ? of gold n treated u with the upmost respect??? ???????"

Penny Scofield wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"I've had the pleasure to know Linda's beautiful spirit as I've worked with her for the last 6 years...we'd make small talk, help detainees together and as we'd get to know each other better, I'd flee my chaotic dept and take refuge in Linda's office before she set out for her duties and have a chat....I offer my deepest condolences and God Bless "

Donna/Frank Renahan wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"Even though we never got to meet, I feel like we knew each other because of the way my daughter spoke about you. Thank you for always making her feel so welcome and thank you for the wonderful son you raised. God Bless you Linda."

Fred Temming wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"So very sorry for your lose"

Linda Reynolds Brown wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"Sincere condolences to all of Linda's family. As a farm girl myself growing up in Andes, our families knew each other well. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of happier times. God bless. Linda Reynolds Brown"

Diana Kogan Valenti wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"May your loving Linda Rest In Peace. She was a wonderful lady with a big heart. She always was always generous and had kind words for me during a difficult time. My condolences to your family. Diana "

Ellen Monroe wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"My deepest sympathy and condolences to The Graham family and friends. Linda will truly be missed. But never forgotten."

robert rodriguez wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"she had a pure and kind soul, one of the nicest people i have ever come across, she will be missed"

Maria Velez wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"May Mrs. Linda Gragham rest peacefully. She was a beautiful woman to all my heart is heavy."

Wayne Mac Donald Jr wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"great woman to work with, she will be missed : ("

Gabriel Moyette wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"It was an honor to have worked with her, her commitment to detail and instructions to detail where spot on.She was missed when leaving Woodstock Percussion, but another family lucked out. RIP my friend ????"

Robert Goff wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"An honor and privilege to have worked with her ......... she was the best ."

Pat Zielinski wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"so sorry.... Rusty, Aaron and Bryan... Your Mom, always a sweet heart.... "

Elizabeth Bloom wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"There are not enough words to describe how important you were to me. God has another angel . I love you Elizabeth"