Linda was born in Oak Bluffs on September 11, 1942, the daughter of the late Gerda (Lind) Canha and the late Chauncy Maury. She spent her youth between Katama and Vineyard Haven, and upon her marriage in 1960 to Edward S. Ben David Sr., also a native Islander, she settled in Oak Bluffs. Linda and Eddie bought a home right next door to Ed’s parents, where they raised their six children.

 

Linda was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who always placed her family first. She was devoted to her church and the community around her. Her faith was very strong throughout her life but most especially during the last four years. She was inspirational in how she battled her illness.

 

Compassionate, talented, caring and giving, she was often found sewing, baking, volunteering and always helping others. Linda was a wonderful cook and was well-known for her amazing creativity with her one-of-a-kind, special occasion cakes. She was often found sewing homemade clothing for her own six children as well as their envious friends. A gracious host, Linda entertained many guests at her home: children and grandchildren’s birthday parties, Ed Sr.’s business gatherings, holiday parties, and other special occasions. She also enjoyed spending her spare time working in her yard and garden.

 

 Devoted to her church and Island community, Linda was always eager to help those in need. Her house was often filled with not only her own six children, but cousins and friends as well. She shared her love of giving in many quiet ways; teaching first communion class in her home and sewing angel costumes and first communion robes, making basketball banners for the high school, sewing dance and special occasion costumes for her children, grandchildren and their friends.

Her pride and joy has always been her family and spending each day nurturing her loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Eddie; her sisters, Ruth Peterson, Ellen Michael and her husband Brian, Rosemary King and her boyfriend John Lange; her brother-in-laws and their spouses, Augustus and Deborah Ben David and Jules and Barbara Ben David; her children and their spouses: Edward Ben David Jr. and Sheila (Hastings) Ben David, Lana Ben David, Randy and Rebecca (Gilbert) Ben David, Jason Ben David and Lynn Webster, Victoria White, and Aaron and Deborah (Gordon) Ben David. Her eight grandchildren, Heather and Heidi White, Parker Ben David, Maple and Ivy Webster-Ben David and Evan, Nathaniel, and Jonathan Ben David, were her pride and joy. Linda was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

 

On Linda’s behalf, our family would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported the family throughout our lives, especially during Mom’s final journey. We are blessed to be part of such a special community.

 

Donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Support Group, Inc. P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; Island Hospice, P.O. Box 4188, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; or Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.