Linda C. Tupper

HOLDEN/SEBRING, FL- Linda C. (Smith) Tupper, 72, wife of Barry Tupper, Sr. passed away peacefully in Florida on Saturday, November 23, 2019.

Born and raised in Holden, Linda was the daughter of Harold Smith, Sr. and Alma (Merchant) Smith. After graduating from Wachusett Regional High School in 1966, she went on to further her education by attending a dental assistant program. While her children were young, she worked as a bus driver for the Wachusett School District, a job she truly loved. When her children were older she worked as a dental assistant, both for a local dentist and orthodontist. She later took a position with UMass Medical School as a Standardized Patient Coordinator, where she formed many cherished friendships, retiring after 22 years of service.
Linda met Barry, the love of her life, in 1964 and they married shortly before he was deployed to Vietnam. Upon his return, Linda moved to Colorado while Barry completed his military service. After his discharge, they returned to Holden to raise their family.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting and playing golf in her spare time. Throughout the years, she and Barry looked forward to traveling to such destinations as the Caribbean Islands, Atlanta and England. They spent many summers camping at Sebago Lake with their close friends. For the past 16 years they traveled to their winter home in Sebring, FL where Linda would spend many days golfing and going out for lunch with the "ladies".
One of Linda’s greatest joys came from being a grandmother. She relished every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, playing games, reading to them, doing arts and crafts or taking them on fun trips to the zoo, the town pool or to the playground. When her grandchildren would visit her in Florida, she would make sure they experienced all of the attractions. The love she had for her grandchildren will continue on with all of the wonderful memories she created.
Barry was her devoted caregiver for the last few years, always making sure that her every need was met. The pair became a local fixture on Main Street in Holden, as they took their daily walk, always hand in hand. Her children will be forever grateful for the loving care he provided during her illness.
Linda will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, Barry W. Tupper, Sr.; her daughter, Christine L. (Tupper) Hamel of Westborough; her son, Barry W. Tupper, Jr. and his wife, Laura (Creamer) of Holden; her grandchildren, Ryan and Landen Tupper of Holden, Emily and Caroline Hamel of Westborough; her siblings, Harold "Sonny" Smith and his wife, Joan of Paxton, Barbara (Smith) Lyons of Providence, RI, Johnny Smith of Oxford, Thomas Smith of North Oxford, Priscilla (Smith) Davis and her husband, Jerry of Webster, Shirley (Smith) Tomlin and her husband, Edward of Benbrook, Texas, and Ronald Smith and his companion, Theresa Levins of Oakham; her sisters-in-law, Joyce (Tupper) Adams and her husband, Daniel of West Boylston and Carol Ann Smith of Paxton; her brother-in-law, Frank Piechowiak of Charlton; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Linda was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Smith and David "Jimmy" Smith as well as her sister-in-law, Nancy (Tupper) Piechowiak.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Linda’s family on Wednesday, December 18 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Memorial Service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Linda's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. To share a memory or to offer a condolence please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.