Hoosick Falls – Linda Child Evans, 81, of Norwich, died Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Valley View Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She is survived by two daughters and two sons-in-law, Kelly and Richard Salinas and Tracy Vaughan and Paul Verrasto; two sons, Joshua and Matthew Clintsman; four granddaughters and one grand son-in-law, Catherine Vaughan Barber and Christopher Barber, Sarah Vaughan, Sophie and Phoebe Salinas; and two sisters, Sally Child Chirlin and Gail Child Szenes.
Born on December 2, 1940, in Norwich, to J.R. “Dick” and Elizabeth “Betty” Child, Linda graduated from Norwich High School and Penn State University. After college she settled with her husband Peter Clintsman in Hoosick Falls, NY, where she taught English in the high school for over three decades. She was a dedicated and creative teacher whose commitment to students extended well beyond the classroom. During her tenure she advised multiple student groups each year, coached girls sports teams, and voluntarily tutored students in a variety of subjects. Linda is remembered fondly by students as someone who was always ready to assist and support them.
In 2005, Linda returned to Norwich to enjoy her retirement. An avid student of history, she used her newly freed-up time to write a book about an ancestor’s experience as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. She did extensive research over several years, traveling through three states to piece together the details of his service and death in the wilderness campaign in Virginia. A talented and vivid writer, she drafted an engrossing account of his struggle, but poor health prevented her from completing it.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be private at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Brain Trauma Foundation, 228 Hamilton Ave., 3rd Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (http://www.braintrauma.org). Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.
