Linda L. Maskell

Linda L. Maskell, 79, of Sanford, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was born on June 30, 1947, in Buxton, Maine, the daughter of Burtie and Hazel (Morton) Swain. She grew up in Buxton and attended local schools.

Caring for others was at the heart of Linda’s life. For 38 years, she worked as a CNA and home health aide, a career that suited her kind and compassionate nature perfectly. Linda truly loved her work and found great fulfillment in helping others, particularly those she was able to care for in the comfort of their own homes. For her, caregiving was more than simply a job—it was an extension of the kindness and concern she naturally showed to those around her.

Linda was also exceptionally creative and talented with her hands. She loved knitting and crocheting and could make virtually anything she set her mind to, often creating her own patterns. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidery and nearly every type of craft. Her creativity extended to cake decorating, and she accumulated an impressive collection of cookbooks over the years. Linda also had a special fondness for cows and delighted in her large collection of cow-themed items.

As much as Linda enjoyed her many hobbies, nothing was more important to her than her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She and her husband, Richard, opened not only their home but also their hearts to children in need. Over the years, they fostered 23 children and ultimately adopted two of them. The love and security they offered those children became an important part of Linda’s legacy and spoke volumes about the generosity of her heart.

Linda also believed in serving her community. She belonged to the Rehoboth Rebekah Lodge in Waterboro and was a member of Civil Emergency Preparedness, where she helped serve her community during times of need. Whether caring for someone through her work, helping her community, welcoming a child into her home or simply spending time with those she loved, Linda had a way of making herself available when others needed her.

She was a kind and loving woman who was blessed with many friends throughout her life. She treasured time spent with her family and took great pride in watching it grow through the generations. Her warmth, creativity, compassion and devotion to others will be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.

Linda was predeceased by her son, Robert Maskell; two stepdaughters, Christine Saliveros and Teresa Duncan; her parents; and several siblings.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Richard Maskell of Sanford; her daughter, Carol Palmer and her husband, Michael, of Springvale; her stepdaughter, Lynn Leclerc and her husband, Marc, of Arundel; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many siblings, nieces, nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Linda’s life was one of caring—caring for her family, caring for those entrusted to her professionally, caring for children who needed a home and caring for her community. Those acts of love and kindness, offered over a lifetime, are the legacy she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine 04083.

In lieu of flowers, Linda’s family asks that memorial contributions be made to an organization supporting Parkinson’s disease research, in her memory.