Linda Diane Barker Morrell of Amsterdam, N.Y. and Oak Bluffs died June 18 at her home in Amsterdam under hospice care, surrounded by her loving family and friends, due to complications from a ruptured brain aneurysm that occurred on April 14. She was 76.

She was a true matriarch and beloved by many. She fulfilled many roles throughout her life: grandmother, aunt, aunt Nee, great-aunt, cousin, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, caretaker, comforter and writer.

Born in Amsterdam, N.Y. in 1947 to Leonard E. Barker and Sylvia “June” Dopp Barker. Linda was a quintessential baby boomer who spent her childhood on Jackson street in the city’s West End and was a 1965 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She was a lover of jazz, horses, the ocean, her grandchildren and her friends. She was an avid reader, always learning from and enjoying books of all kinds. Her enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures and her ability to give unconditional love made her a special human being. Linda was a staunch supporter of civil rights, women’s issues and leaders who showed a genuine care for humanity.

She married the love of her life, Paul Anthony Morrell in 1968. He predeceased her in 2007. Together, they raised a son, Joshua Morrell of Amsterdam, N.Y. and a daughter, Molly Scialabba (Jim) of Charlotte, N.C. in a home filled with love and friendship.

In 1981, Linda was awarded the Hazel Swart Creative Writing Award for Prose from Fulton-Montgomery Community College. She worked in the field of Nuclear Medicine for 31 years, until she retired as Chief Technologist of Nuclear Medicine from St. Clare’s Hospital in 1999 and was an Emeritus member of the NMTCB. In retirement, she worked as a greenhouse worker every spring season at Jardin Mahoney’s in Oak Bluffs. Her presence brought joy and comfort to everyone who knew her.

Linda cherished her friendships deeply, especially with her close friends Rosemary, Roberta, Grace and Jen. Her warmth, compassion and love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Along with her children, she is survived by her grandchildren Jonah Paul Morrell of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and Sophia Grace Scialabba of Charlotte, N.C.; her brother Leonard W. Barker, sister-in-law, Karla Barker of Saranac Lake, N.Y., her brother-in-law David Morrell and her sister-in-law, Robin Morrell of Glen Cove, N.Y.; her nephews Bryce Barker (Katie) of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Matthew Morrell and Benjamin Morrell of Northport, N.Y., Joesph Piszczatowski of Glen Cove, N.Y.; and her great-niece Lottie Reese Barker of Saranac Lake, N.Y.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, June 26 at the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home in Amsterdam, N.Y. with The Very Reverand Neal Longe presiding.  This was followed by interment at Maple Ave Cemetery, Fultonville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda’s name to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Please visit Linda’s tribute at www.roseandhughesfh.com.