GILDA LINENKEMPER

GILDA LINENKEMPER Lancaster - Gilda L. (Gradito) Linenkemper, 96, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Leominster Rehab. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Walter H. Linenkemper. She is survived by her children, Linda Gagne, Robert Linenkemper and his partner Virginia Morrissey, Debra Linenkemper, and Bernard Linenkemper and wife Faith; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Amy Williams and Ben, Brett Gagne and Erin, Chad Gagne and Meagan, Kara Swanson and William, Alianna Linenkemper, Erica Trinque and Jeff, Matthew Linenkemper, Shannon Betty and Nick, and David Braman and Pam; 12 great-grandchildren, generations of nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her siblings, Gino Gradito, Concetta Valley, Levi Gradito, Yolanda Moniz, and Annapolina DeCarolis. Daughter of the late Lorenzo and Annapolina (Campea) Gradito, Gilda was born and raised in Leominster and was a graduate of the Leominster High School, class of 1947. She and her soulmate Walter Linenkemper married on November 27, 1947, and the couple would together raise their family in Lancaster. In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Gilda worked with Dupont Viscoloid Company in Leominster, later as a counselor at Madonna Hall in Marlborough, as a baker for Shaw's Supermarkets, and in the cafeteria at Nashoba Regional High School, until retiring. A woman of great faith, Gilda was a life member of St. Anna's Parish in Leominster, where she sang for many years in the church choir. The quintessential matriarch, Gilda loved cooking, baking, and hosting her legendary Sunday Italian family dinners. She also mastered the art of knitting and crochet, creating countless afghans and gifts for all of her loved ones. Among her life's pleasures, Gilda always took great pride in her appearance, kept up with the latest fashion, and enjoyed her frequent shopping trips. There are many great memories of bowling at the Maybarton Gardens, family card games filled with laughter, and countless Salisbury Beach and York Beach vacations with family and friends. Above all, Gilda was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Calling hours were held on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 9:30 until 11 a.m. with a Funeral Service immediately following at 11 a.m. in thePhilbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, and burial in Eastwood Cemetery, Lancaster. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.