SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Linda Lee (Watson) Ladd, 81, passed away peacefully at Redington-Fairview Hospital, with her children and grandson at her side. Born on July 3, 1945, in Presque Isle, Maine, she was the daughter of Garfield Watson and Fern (Campbell) O’Donal.

Linda was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She treasured her life as a homemaker and the time she spent with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed crocheting afghans for family members and residents of nursing care facilities. Bar Harbor held a special place in her heart, and she loved taking day trips to the coast. She also enjoyed attending church and watching the birds and wildlife. She was especially proud to have received her high school diploma later in life.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Garfield Watson and Fern (Campbell) O’Donal; her sister, Irene (Watson) Scoble; and her brother, Theodore “Sonny” Watson. She is survived by her sisters, Kay Palmer of Stratford, Connecticut, and Shirley Saucier of Searsport, Maine; her daughters, Dawn “Donnie” Saucier, Priscilla “Cilla” Saucier, and Crystal Parlin, all of Skowhegan, Maine; and her son, Val (Heather) Saucier Jr. of Bucksport, Maine. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shakel Saucier, Anika Stewart, Kirsten Libby, Skylar Veilleux, Erika Hamar, Katelin Parlin, Autumn Sands, and Lindsay Brown; her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jaxtyn, Curtis, and Asher; and many nieces and nephews.

Linda’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Special Unit at Redington-Fairview General Hospital for the exceptional care they provided. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Somerset Humane Society Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that cares for dogs and cats in Somerset County.

Some say a cardinal is a visit from above,

A thought of loved ones, a sign of their love.

When you see one flutter, a smile may appear—

A sign that a cherished spirit is near.

It’s a touch of heaven, a whisper so true:

“I am never far away; I’m always with you.”