Linda Eastman

South Portland – Linda J. Eastman, passed away February 17.  Born in Freeport, Maine, Linda was the daughter of Earl and Dorthy (Wescott) Silver.

Linda graduated from Freeport High School in 1959 and continued education earning advanced degrees from the University of Southern Maine (originally called Southern Maine Teaching).  Linda began her year 39-year journey of teaching in Wiscasset.  Linda spent the next years teaching in Rockland and Portland before, moving to South Portland to teach reading recovery and special education.  In 1984, Linda left South Portland to teach special ed in Auburn.  In Auburn, Linda developed and implemented exemplary programs to fit the needs of all children with special needs.  One of the many things Linda enjoyed about teaching, was mentoring college students who were studying special education.

Linda met the love of her life, Michael J. Eastman, while at college. During the summer of 1965 she returned to college to begin working on her masters, and reconnected with Michael. After 4 months of dating, they became engaged and married on June 25,1965. Together they had two children, Lynne Elizabeth Eastman and Chad Michael Eastman.  Their 44 years of love and friendship ended with Mike’s untimely death in 2009.

Linda believed deeply in giving back to the world in thanks and appreciation for the many blessings bestowed her.  After retirement, she became involved in community affairs.  She served on the South Portland Planning Board, Conservation Committee, the Library Advisory Board and many more.  Her greatest sense of accomplishment in the public area was her key role resurrecting the South Portland Historical Society and supporting it to the high level of functioning that is enjoyed by many today.  Her love of reading and appreciation of the South Portland Public Library motivated her to spearhead the opening of a used book shop for the purpose of raising funds to support the many free programs offered to the community.

Linda was an animal lover and was especially fond of Maine Coon cats and Golden Retrievers.  She and family enjoyed nearly 40 years of a succession of much loved goldens.  The last years of Linda’s Life were given to providing homes to rescue dogs.

In her leisure time. Linda enjoyed membership in numerous local and national organizations.  She especially enjoyed local and state historical and societies.  She was an avid amateur researcher and spent many hours tracing her family back to their European roots.  She enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, loved the symphony and walking with her dogs.

Linda leaves two beloved children, son Chad Michael Eastman, daughter Lynne Eastman (Jim Joys); five adored grandchildren, Michael Joys and his partner Kristen Gilhooly, Robert Joys, Hayley and her fiancé Gabe Bonvinville, Zoe and Ashley Eastman. She also leaves her much loved siblings Jodi Johansen (Bruce) and Earl F. Silver (Pam) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and a great great niece.

In lieu of flowers, Linda has asked that donations be made to the South Portland Historical Society or Vet at Your Door (Vet at Your door provides financial aid to people who can not afford care for their pets.)

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28^th beginning at 1:00pm, Hillcrest Community Center, 108 Hillcrest Avenue, Scarborough, ME. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.