Linda McMenimen passed away on December 14th with her devoted children by her side. Beloved wife of Joseph “Joe Mac” McMenimen for 57 years.
Loving mother of Christine McMenimen and her fiance Marcos Mason, and Joseph P. McMenimen, Jr. and his fiancee Jane Faccenda. Linda was born in Cambridge, MA the eldest daughter of the late Lindoro “Lindy” Scalfati and the late Emily Scalfati (Barbosa). Dear sister of Natalie Khoury and her husband David Khoury, Julie Scalfati and Fusilli, and the late Joseph Scalfati. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Linda especially treasured her talks and visits from Lisa Khoury, Marie and her husband Richard Kilroy, and great niece and nephew, Hannah Kilroy and Brendan Kilroy.
Linda attended Emmanuel College and received her Master’s Degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from UMass Boston and UMass Lowell, respectively. She was a dedicated public school educator and a fierce advocate for students. Linda worked for the Wilmington Public Schools, the Woburn Public Schools and spent the majority of her successful career as a Reading Specialist and Director of Title I and Bilingual Education at Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical High School. She was a gifted mentor, a true professional, and a trusted friend to her many colleagues. Very active in her professional organization, CACE, Linda received The Sage Award for her leadership, guidance and help for her fellow Title I administrators.
Her children’s lives were of utmost importance to her, as well as her community involvement. Linda was very active within the Wilmington community for years as a Little League softball coach and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) member, also serving on the Wilmington School Committee for ten years. Linda loved to travel with Joe Mac, her children, great friends and of course, family. From Ireland to Aruba, from Naples, Florida to Dedham, Maine, from Switzerland to Bermuda, and from London to Jamaica. Linda’s travel motto is: There is a difference between a trip and a vacation. She enjoyed both–it just depended on how long her LIST was of things to see and do!
Linda was an avid reader. She loved puzzles, word games and most of all Jeopardy! She was a formidable contestant as she played along from home, often with her children. She was always up to date on entertainment news, Linda would be ready to discuss the latest Netflix series, current Broadway hit or recent Hollywood gossip. Linda loved to share interesting tweets, articles, memes, and educational news with friends and family, always taking everyone's interests into consideration. Linda was also an avid collegiate and professional sports fan. She always looked forward to March Madness, Tom Brady Super Bowls and Wimbledon.
Funeral arrangements will be provided by Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington. Services and burial will be private, immediate family only. Friends and extended family will be invited to join us for A Celebration of Life in May, near her birthday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Linda to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601@https://www.alz.org