TERRYVILLE – Linda R. Cleaveland, a lifelong resident of Terryville and Plymouth, died peacefully May 24, 2024, from heart failure after a brief illness at age 81.
She leaves behind three children and their spouses: Roger and Karen Cleaveland of Newington, Terri and Allen Rode of Thomaston, and Mark and Jennifer Cleaveland of Summerville, S.C. She was predeceased by her daughter Sharon, her grandson Justin Cleaveland and her ex-husband Coe Cleaveland.
She also leaves behind five grandchildren in Jennifer Santa Fe, Joshua Cleaveland, Nicole Rode, Matt Rode and Caitlyn Rode; as well as six great-grandchildren in Jackson Santa Fe, Jayde Santa Fe, Luna Rode, Zander Rode, Isaiah Diaz and Gabriel Wydra.
A longtime waitress at Woodside Restaurant in Terryville, she also worked as a certified nursing aide at Cook Willow in Plymouth and the Alzheimer Resource Center in Southington.
Because her late parents Albert and Grace Read took in more than 100 foster children during her childhood, Linda developed a similar passion and opened her home to multiple children in need.
When she wasn’t working, Linda loved spending time attending family functions, as well as the sporting events and musical performances of her children. She was an avid reader and sports fan (especially football and golf), and enjoyed playing cards, billiards and bowling with other members of the senior community.
She was also a member of the Terryville Women’s Club and enjoyed eating out at local establishments Eagle’s Nest, Rozzi’s and Home Town.
Calling hours will be Saturday at Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St., Terryville, from noon to 2 p.m., with a brief burial ceremony to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 44 Poland Brook Road in Terryville.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Carolyn’s Place, 137 Grandview Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708. scottfuneralhomeinc.com.
