GORHAM- Linda Lorraine (Tonini) Beck, born on January 6, 1946, in South Portland, Maine, passed away on January 9, 2026.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. Linda grew up on Delaware Avenue in South Portland and spent her life deeply committed to learning, family, and faith.
Linda was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Portland, Maine, and went on to attend Gorham State Teachers College, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in education. She later married her high school sweetheart, Willard “Bill” Beck, 81, of Gorham, Maine, and together they shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and family traditions. She dedicated 30 years to teaching in the Yarmouth, Maine school system, leaving a lasting impact on countless young people. Her sons, Erik and Benjamin, remember her always immersed in a book, embodying a lifelong curiosity and love of learning that she passed along to them.
Linda had a special love for animals, especially cats, and she cherished time spent with her family. She and Bill loved traveling to the White Mountains, particularly North Conway, New Hampshire, and even as she faced dementia later in life, they continued to make those trips together. She treasured nightly family walks around Thornton Heights, enjoying simple moments of togetherness close to home.
Summer was especially meaningful to Linda, spending many days with her children at Scarborough Beach State Park and Sebago Lake, and summer night trips to Old Orchard Beach to enjoy the beauty of Maine evenings while savoring the legendary Bill’s Pizza. Stops for ice cream at Foley’s in Scarborough, along with visits to Rapid Ray’s in Saco and Friendly’s on Main Street in South Portland, became part of a collection of simple, joyful traditions that defined family life.
Linda also deeply valued her faith and cherished Sunday morning Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in South Portland, attended with her family and followed by coffee and donuts. These were the quiet, meaningful moments that reflected the joy she found in togetherness.
Linda is survived by her loving husband, Bill Beck of Gorham, Maine; her sister, Adele Harnois of Sun City Center, Florida; her sons, Erik Beck of Portland, Maine, and Benjamin Beck of Medfield, Massachusetts; her daughter-in-law, Danielle Beck; and her grandchildren, Grace, Griffin, Tessa, and Nolan, all of Medfield, Massachusetts.
Linda’s legacy is one of warmth, faith, curiosity, and deep devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Linda’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com