Linda C. Gould

Linda C. Gould
The Craftiest Soul in the Finger Lakes 
November 22, 1946 – June 16, 2025

Linda C. Gould slipped peacefully from this world on June 16, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family at Cayuga Medical Center. Born in Philadelphia, PA, and adopted into the warm arms of Curtis R. and Evelyn (Bendle) Hull, Linda lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and sewing machines.

Linda graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1964, and went on to earn a master’s degree in teaching from Elmira College, which she wielded like a superpower for over 30 years at Watkins Glen Elementary School. If you were lucky enough to be one of her students, know that she remembered you, rooted for you, and bragged about your achievements—even years later—like the proud classroom mom she always was.

Outside the classroom, Linda was a legend in her own time. A master crafter, thrift store queen, and world-class seamstress, she could turn a pile of mismatched buttons and fabric scraps into something Martha Stewart would envy. Her car had a sixth sense for yard sales and could make a U-turn on a dime at the sight of a “FREE” sign. She was never without a project—or ten—in progress, a package from Temu on the way, and her idea of relaxing often involved a rotary cutter, and a small mountain of fabric.

Linda was also an extraordinary mom and an elite-level grandmother. She loved fiercely and with flair. Her love language included hand-sewn Halloween costumes, quilts, rambling adventures, treats, and a listening ear.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Ralph W. Gould, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Anne Hull. Left to cherish her legacy of love, creativity, and semi-controlled chaos are her children Karen (Kris) Stark, of Interlaken, NY, Sarah (Chris) Houde of Ballston Spa, NY, and Benjamin (Emma Morris) Gould of Trumansburg, NY—each of whom inherited at least one of her many superpowers (though none have fully unlocked her uncanny ability to find the best bargains). Her grandchildren Jakob (Indigo Kane) Gould, Adelaid Gould, Alden Stark, and Ruthie Houde. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother in-law Marilyn, and Richard Puccio, beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and half siblings, and terrific friends. Special thank you to Yvonne Coates for her expert care, and friendship.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 28th, at Havana Glen, pavilion 1. Bring a lawn chair, a favorite Linda story, and if you really want to do her proud—rock some funky Crocs, outlandish socks, or a fun shirt.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to your heart, or better yet—honor Linda by doing something wonderfully creative, a little bit ridiculous, or wildly generous. Go on that spontaneous adventure, finally try that craft project, or spoil a grandchild silly.

Condolences and memories may be left in her guestbook found at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.  Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.