Linda Leahy Reed Obituary
Linda Leahy Reed passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 2, 2026, at Seacoast Nursing Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts. She wanted so badly to live to see her great-grandchildren grow up, but it was not to be. Strong was her faith, and in the end, she was ready to meet her Lord and Savior.
Linda was a beautiful soul, both inside and out. She was full of life and laughter, and her contagious smile lit up every room. Her husband, Richard "Dick" Reed, was the love of her life. "Reedie," as she often called him, adored her. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and friendship.
Linda was born and raised in Rockport, a town she loved throughout her life. As a teenager, she taught swim lessons at Front Beach and spent summers serving ice cream at Tuck's Candy Factory, where her warm smile and friendly nature were well known. The friendships and memories she made growing up in Rockport remained close to her heart for the rest of her life.
In her early years, Linda began her career at Addison Gilbert Hospital as an X-ray technician, eventually specializing in mammography. She was proud to provide compassionate care and could often be heard encouraging women to get their yearly exams.
Seeking warmer weather, Linda and Dick moved to Virginia, where her parents were originally from. There they built a life surrounded by extended family. Linda continued her career in civil service, working in mammography for the Army at Fort Eustis in Newport News.
Their love of Rockport never faded, and in time it drew them back home to the town Linda had loved since childhood. They settled into the Rockport High School Apartments, where Linda often joked that she lived in what once had been the library, a place where she and her friends had shared many laughs in their youth. Linda and Dick were happiest spending time with family and creating memories with those they loved.
Linda was predeceased by her parents, Pauline "Polly" Leahy and Francis "Frank" Leahy; her sister, Eve Epstein; and her brother, Pete Leahy. She is survived by her daughter, Jill Bitzer and husband Chuck; her son, Scott Russell; her daughter-in-law, Tina Russell; her stepdaughter, Beth McCuish; her stepson, Bobby Reed and wife Amy; her sister, Annie Whitaker and husband Steve; and her "adopted" daughter, Louise Sutliff.
She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Ryan Bitzer (Brad), Kristen Miller (Garrett), Dylan Russell (Vanessa), Curtis Russell (Elisabeth), Shayla Osmond (Derek), Melyssa McCuish, Devin McCuish, Lindsay Reed, and Ryan Reed; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Adeline Russell, Oliver Osmond, Ella Osmond, Elle Miller, Halle Miller, Tucker Frodyma, and Thomas Russell. She also shared a special bond with her treasured best friends, Bonnie Jelmburg and Ingrid Brown. Linda is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved deeply.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joachim Parish, 56 Broadway, Rockport, MA on Monday June 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Linda and Dick's ashes will be spread at sea during a sunset cruise. We only wish they could be there to join us.
