Linda J. Perkins

Linda Jean Perkins, age 64, passed away peacefully at her daughters home on Saturday, November 11, 2023, surrounded by family and friends following a courageous and valiant two-year fight against small cell lung cancer and leptomeningeal disease.
Born in Ipswich on March 10, 1959 to the late Angela (Page) and Raymond Perkins Jr., Linda was raised in Hamilton and attended Hamilton Public Schools until her junior year of high school when her family moved to Beverly, MA. She was a 1977 graduate of Beverly High School but Hamilton was always where her heart remained.
Linda spent her entire life caring for others as an extremely talented and loving nurse's aide, working all over the North Shore. At the time of her diagnosis she was employed at Addison Gilbert Hospital in the Senior Adult Unit. Her favorite patient demographic was always the elderly population, she loved and cared for each of her patients as if they were her own family.
Linda was a devoted and dedicated single mother to her only daughter Hillary, whom she made sure was always well taken care of and never missed out on anything. She raised her daughter in Beverly where she resided most of her life until several years ago when she relocated to Ipswich to be closer to her daughter and family. The best thing in Linda's life was the day she became a Nana to Emma. Linda was everything and more you could ask for in a Nana. Emma was her pride and joy and she loved spoiling her and spending ever free minute (and dollar) on her granddaughter.
Linda was a gentle and kind soul whose laughter and love will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her. Linda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Hillary and Ryan Fortin and her most cherished Granddaughter, Emma, of Ipswich, MA. She also leaves behind her sisters Judith (Dennis) Lucier of South Yarmouth, MA, Kathleen Silva of Beverly, MA, and brothers Dana (Heidi) Perkins of Georgetown, MA and Thomas Perkins of Hyannis, MA. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents and her precious cat, Fluffy, which she affectionately called Mr. Perkins.
Linda's lasting wish was for kindness and love. She wanted to be surrounded by the people she loved and whom loved her. Her family would like to express their profound gratitude to Dr. Jacob Sands of Dana Farber Thoracic Oncology and his team for working tirelessly to find a cure for this awful disease. There will never be enough words to express the love and appreciation to each and every person who has loved and supported our family through this fight. We could not have done this without you.
Linda was an avid lover of donkeys. Please think of her anytime you see one and know it is a sign from her that she is saying hello.
Linda's funeral service will be at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, November 20th at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, November 19th from 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (lung cancer research) or to the New England Equine Rescue North, Inc. 52 Ash Street, West Newbury, MA 01985. Information, directions, condolences at