Linda Foster (O’Brien) Edkins, beloved wife, mom, nana, and neighbor, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2026.

Linda was born in Bellows Falls, VT, on January 28, 1952, and was a proud lifelong resident of Walpole, NH. She liked to say she had never spent more than two weeks more than 200 miles from Walpole.

The daughter of Marion and Richard O’Brien, Linda often spent her days on the Foster Farm on Wentworth Road with her grandparents, Marjorie and Harold Foster. From an early age, she rode horses and held a special place in her heart for animals. She was in the first class to attend all four years at Fall Mountain Regional High School, graduating in 1970. It was there, during her junior year, that she met David Edkins, who, more than a decade later, would become her devoted husband.

Together, Linda and David had two children, Kendall and Sarah. Linda was also close to her nieces ,Laura O’Brien, Megan Ruskowski, and Erica Sweeney.

Linda was known for making people feel welcome. She took an active interest in her neighbors and maintained warm relationships with Walpolians across many generations. Her children’s friends jokingly called her “the mayor” because of her deep knowledge of and love for Walpole, its residents, and local happenings.

Linda served the town of Walpole as a cemetery trustee, as secretary for the selectboard and fire department, and in the Town Office. She was also a proud member of the DAR. She managed several local businesses, including Walpole Pharmacy, Tole’s Convenience, and Hallmark.

Linda was fearlessly tough and endlessly generous. She intervened on behalf of anyone, especially women and children, facing harm. She prioritized the happiness and safety of others and worked tirelessly to give the people she loved a good life.

Linda is survived by her husband, David, brothers, Harold and Richard (Karen) O’Brien, and best friend, Jennie Curé, all of Walpole, NH; sister, Pamela Farnsworth (Charlie) of Canyon, TX; and children, Kendall Edkins (Shannon Lamb) of Elliott, ME, and Sarah Edkins (James Lien) of Hartsdale, NY.

Linda was happiest with her bulldog, Penny—who stayed beside her until the very end—and her three granddaughters, Ruth and Claire Edkins (6) and Winnie Lien (3), with whom she shared a special bond. Her final wish was to watch her three grandchildren play together on the beach in York, Maine, where her own family vacationed when she was a child.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, there will be no service or public calling hours. Her family will lay her to rest in a private burial at the Walpole Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Monadnock Humane Society or Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (HCS).