Linda Jean Holton

Barnstable - Linda Jean Holton passed away on August 17, 2024, at her home in Barnstable, Massachusetts, surrounded by loved ones following a long illness. Born on August 13, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, Linda dedicated her life to helping others through her extensive career in social work. She derived her greatest joy in her roles as a mother and a grandmother.

Linda graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, before earning her undergraduate degree from Mt. Holyoke College and her MSW from Boston University. During her time at Boston University she met her husband Rick, who was the love of her life. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career as a social worker. Linda worked for many years as a school social worker, retiring from Voorhees High School in New Jersey. After losing her husband Rick, she left their home in Frenchtown, New Jersey, to be closer to her daughters. During her time on the Cape she contributed her skills to the Cape Cod Visiting Nurse Association and gained a wonderful new community of friends through both her work and her involvement in the East Sandwich Friends Meeting.

Never one to eschew adventure, Linda lived in Japan and Ethiopia in her twenties. She and husband Rick left conventional jobs to move to a farm in New Jersey, where they raised their children along with sheep, goats, horses, ducks,chickens and a kennel full of beagles and Airedales.

Linda was a convinced Quaker, finding peace and community in her faith. Her life was a reflection of her beliefs, filled with acts of kindness and loving care. She was a source of wisdom and spiritual guidance to her family and friends. She touched many lives with her serenity, and her bright and hopeful attitude throughout her illness. Whether on vacation with her family, listening to music, or in the stands at her grandchildren's sporting events, Linda made connections that often turned into genuine friendships. In her retirement, Linda loved nothing more than joining her children and their families on beach vacations, her toes in the sand and a rum punch in her hand.

She will be remembered for her unconditional love, generosity, strength of spirit, positivity and most importantly, her dedication to her family and friends. Linda is survived by her son, Daniel John Holton-Roth; daughters, Sarah Aleah Holton-Roth and Emily Rose Holton-Roth; grandchildren, Kenya Holton-Roth, Grace Smith, Colby Lucas, Bedloe Holton-Roth, Oliver Smith, Samuel Lucas, Benjamin Smith and Aleah Lucas; sons-in-law, Mark Lucas and William Smith; and sisters, Betsy Crowe and Jan Holton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rick Roth, and her brother, Jack Holton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Linda's memory to Cape Wellness Collaborative, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, or Dana Farber. Her legacy of compassion and care will continue to inspire and impact lives through these charities.

A memorial service will be held at the Quaker meeting house in East Sandwich, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:30 am. A reception will be held following in West Barnstable.