Linda Marie (Braddock) Benedict

Linda Marie (Braddock) Benedict, 67, of Shepherdstown, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. She was at home, comforted by family and friends.

Born Sept. 17, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, Linda was the daughter of the late Charles and Wilma Braddock. She grew up in St. Louis and Ferguson, Missouri, and graduated from McCleur High School.

Linda attended Central Methodist (College) University, Fayette, Missouri, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd (College) University. She did extensive graduate work, completing a Masters equivalency program. She taught first and second grade at Boonsboro Elementary School for 27 years, retiring in 2011. As a teacher, Linda spread her love of reading.

Linda loved her family and was a devoted friend and trusted advisor to relatives and friends alike. She was a superb listener, always willing to share ideas with anyone on a wide variety of topics, ranging from politics to sports to parenting. She served as an ambassador for Shepherdstown wherever her travels took her, lovingly describing the virtues of the community. She served on the Shepherdstown Zoning Appeals Board and was especially proud of her support to re-create the Town Run Book Club. Shepherdstown illuminated its Main Street Christmas lights and held a candlelight memorial in Linda’s honor the night after her passing, in a tribute to Linda’s love of the town during Christmastime.

She married Dow Benedict in 1967 in Missouri, and the family moved to Shepherdstown in 1971. Linda is survived by her husband Dow and her children, Lorenzo and Emily (Rock) Sabetto, and step-daughter Michelle (John) Nowlin. She treasured her grandchildren Dow, Harper, Jake, Fere, Zoe, and Subi, and her nieces Deirdre and MaryBeth Evens, and numerous cousins and special friends. Her loss is deeply felt by many.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Judith Ann Tannen and her brother Charles Braddock.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. Family will greet friends from 1 to 2 with the service at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, it was Linda’s wish that donations be made in her honor to the Shepherdstown Children’s Library, P.O. Box 278, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at BastStaufferFuneralHome.com.