Linda Wincenc Dobkin

My Aunt Linda was an exceptional and compassionate human being: an exceptional wife, mother, scientist, and friend. And oh those days, long ago, of ferrying me, with my Uncle Steve, up to Henniker in the mid-winter and the middle of the night! Later, offering her gentle guidance and persuasive advice on every aspect of life. I can't wrap my head around her no longer being here...although she will live always in my mind and heart. I love you, my dearest Auntie...

Our adventure began in 1967, the second semester of our junior year of College. We participated in "The Experiment in International Living", spending the semester studying in Siena, Italy. Linda´s parents were the Directors of the program that year. I was fortunate to join the Wincenc family travelling to Czechoslavakia over our Easter break to visit their family. Much of our semester was spent traveling with an amazing art historian, learning about the Birthplace of the Renaissance. Linda and I spent the summer travelling through much of Europe, from Siena to as far north as Stockholm, Sweden. In those days, it was safe for two young women to hitchhike, and we did so through much of our trip! We stayed in youth and student hostels to conserve money. We returned to Siena to witness the Palio, a traditional horserace that takes place on the main Piazza del Campo before parting ways. It was during this time that my love of travel began, and I have been fortunate to continue to travel the world with another college friend of ours, always remembering how it all began. I will miss my friend and love all the memories we shared.

Linda has been a major part of my life as far back as I can even remember. She always had a kind word, a friendly smile, and just gave the absolute best hugs.

As we all got older, she continued in that role, and always seemed to get a kick out of our group of friends even when we were up to no good. Trips to Old Orchard Beach were always a highlight of the summer, and she was even kind enough to let a few of us live there for an entire summer when we were 20 years old.

We all then started to grow up, leaving home and starting families of our own. Linda absolutely loved my wife from the first time I brought her around and always asked about her. When our daughter was born 10 years ago, Linda was our biggest cheerleader.

Living on the West Coast made it difficult to visit family and friends as often as we would have liked over the years, but we always tried to make it a priority to visit Linda and Steve when we would come to visit. If dinner at my parents´ house ended at 10:00pm, we knew it wouldn´t be a problem to swing over to see Linda & Steve, knowing they´d be up and ready for a visit.

We love you, Linda, and will miss you tremendously. Stevie D and Matty D, we are all here for you for anything you need.

Linda has been a motherly figure in my life over the last 40 years. From elementary school music events, jump rope contests and art shows - she was always involved in our school activities (which Steve diligently video recorded every moment of). Later, she would pack 7 of us into the red caravan to take us to the movies or the mall. The summers where she and Steve would host 4 teenagers in old orchard beach are some of my best memories.
When I had my daughters, Linda would always ask Matt how they were doing and ask for videos of them...because she truly cared about them and wanted to know how they were actually doing.
Throughout it all, she was always there for any and all of us. Quick with a joke or to call someone on their BS, she was true through and through. When I left her hospital room last week after a visit, she cracked a smile - which reminded me of all the laughs over the years.
She will be missed by all. I´m lucky to have known her.
Steve and Matt, Let us know how we can support you during this difficult time.