Linda Susan Chumsae, 61, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Dec. 21, 2014 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta.
Linda was born on May 8, 1953 in Hartford, Conn., the daughter of Francis and Janet (Guimont) Gondek. Linda grew up in Glastonbury, Conn. and attended local schools, graduating from Glastonbury High School with the class of 1971.
Linda always had a calling to help people, from a young age she felt it necessary to look after others. This started in high school while she was visiting a patient at the local veteran’s home. When she found out that many of the patients would not be receiving a Christmas card that year, Linda and a friend quickly went to all of the local stores looking for free cards. They took them all home, signed them and then delivered them back to the veteran’s home. It was this characteristic that led her to a career in nursing. She began her degree work at Mohegan Community College, Conn. and earned her RN nursing degree at Mt. Wachusett College, Massachusetts. She finished her bachelor’s degree at Worcester State College, Massachusetts.
Linda worked at various hospitals throughout Massachusetts and Maine. Linda enjoyed working at the hospital and always had positions in the ICU. Linda felt a strong tie to the ICU and used her position to make sure that everyone was given the best care that they could receive. If someone did not have family that was able to come if things looked bleak, Linda would make sure to spend some time with them so that they would not be alone. Linda was also willing to work holiday shifts so that other nurses could be with their families, especially those with children. She was dedicated to her work and to the patients that she had helped over her 33-year nursing career.
Linda was always looking for ways to help people or animals. On Thanksgiving she enjoyed volunteering at the local soup kitchen. She loved animals and was always looking out for them, whether it was finding a new home for an ornery rooster or helping to relocate some ducks back to their farm. Most of her pets during her lifetime were rescued. Linda was a member of the ASPCA and also generously donated to local animal shelters.
Linda had a passion for cooking. She usually planned and prepared creative dishes for special occasions, even throwing a few birthday parties for her four legged family members. Linda enjoyed photography and was always famous for being behind the lens and never in front.
She was predeceased by her nephew, Matthew Bailey.
Survivors include her parents, Francis and Janet Gondek of Jefferson; brother, Mark Gondek and wife Megan of Newburgh; sister, Sharon Bailey and husband Myles of Jefferson; niece, Kimberly Fox, husband Christopher and son Camden of Newburgh; nephew, Matthew Gondek of Newburgh; many extended family and friends; and animals, Delia and Missie.
A celebration of life will be held sometime in the spring.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, PO Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841, http://www.humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/donate/
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home.