Linda Jennie C. Dahms
A Life of Faith, Wonder, Creativity, and Love
SHAPLEIGH- Linda Jennie C. Dahms passed away peacefully at her home following a brave battle with cancer, the day after her 83rd birthday, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Linda Jennie Shepard in Westbrook, Maine, on June 24, 1943, she was the eldest daughter of Ethel Straw and Edwin Shepard and one of seven children. She spent much of her early childhood on “the farm,” the beloved dairy farm in Gorham, Maine, with her grandparents Robert & Jennie Straw and Uncle Bud & Aunt Bea. Though life would eventually take her far from Maine, the farm was always home and her years there were among her happiest.
From an early age, Linda noticed the quiet beauty of the world around her. She inherited a love of animals from her grandfather. As a girl, she delighted in singing to the cows and even conducting them in song from the fence. From her Aunt Bea, she learned to sew. From her grandmother, she inherited a love of hymns, which brought her lifelong comfort and joy. Indeed, this introduction to the music of faith developed into Linda’s devotion to the practice of Christianity. Her beliefs were truly foundational in guiding Linda’s life through its many challenges. In these various ways Linda’s Grampa and Grammie Straw help shape a woman who saw extraordinary beauty—and experienced spiritual awe—in daily life. She freely shared this sense of wonder—and her love of Jesus, children, and dogs—with everyone around her.
Linda was predeceased by her mother, Ethel Straw; her father, Edwin Shepard; her husband, Walter “Peter” Dahms (d. 2004); and her brother, Robert Shepard (d. 2015).
She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Tamarra Clark Towle & husband, Haydn Towle, of North Waterboro, ME; Jo Ann Clark & husband, Zhenya Zafrin, of Ossining, NY; and Susan Clark of Porter, ME. She is also survived by her first husband, John M. Clark, of Temperance, MI.
Linda also leaves behind five beloved grandsons: Johnathan Cook of Tokyo, Japan; Julian Clark & wife Stephanie of Harrisburg, PA; of St. Augustine, FL, James Cook & wife Jessica Rutherford and Taylor Cook & wife Kacie; and Tesher Clark Zafrin of Ossining, NY.
Linda was the great-grandmother to a cherished twelve ranging from ages 19 to 1: Alison, Rowan, Isla, Kieran, Jameson, Thorsten, Rune (Cook); Baylen and Maclen (Cook); Morgan and Damian (Clark); Ashton (Zafrin). Each child claimed a place in her heart, as did Ashton’s mother, Sunuchi Mattis, whose role in the family brought Linda joy.
She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Amanda McConihe, Holly Pinkham and Rusty Rowe; brothers Dwight & Peter Shepard; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and dear friends, including those in the Class of 1961, the last to graduate from Buxton High School.
As the wife of a serviceman for two decades, she embraced military life with grace, adapting to each relocation. From postings in Alabama, Massachusetts, Alaska, Kentucky and Tennessee, she instilled in her daughters a love of adventure with a stabilizing sense that Maine was their true home.
It was in Maine where she met Walter “Peter” Dahms. They married in 1991 and shared many happy years together. Peter was a devoted husband, a proud grandfather, and a fine companion whose warmth—and goofy sense of humor—matched Linda’s own.
A lifelong learner, Linda studied at Westbrook College in Maine. She graduated from Southern College in Orlando, FL with an Associates Degree in Interior Design & Business. She drew inspiration from designers Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Gustav Stickley, and William Morris. Linda’s favorite courses were in architecture and her study of Craftsman and Shaker styles. These would remain a creative touchstone, including when designing her own home.
Linda’s professional life reflected her creativity, leadership, and eye for beauty. In the1970s in Alaska, she built a career as an independent contractor with Home Interiors & Gifts, Incorporated. Her success at HI&G earned her promotion to Regional Director. She traveled extensively, leading teams and attending conventions. She mentored women across Alaska and elsewhere, taking pride in helping women build confidence and financial independence.
After returning to the “lower 48” in 1977, Linda continued working in design and home decor, expanding her expertise into custom kitchen planning, window treatments, and design consulting with JCPenney, Joann Fabrics, and a family-owned custom kitchen firm. Clients and employers alike praised her keen aesthetic.
Linda launched her own wallpaper design and installation business and worked as a Tailor, Embroidery, & Monogram Specialist for L.L.Bean. Easing into retirement, the ever-energetic Linda worked in the Shapleigh Post Office and at the Maine CareerCenter. Her most treasured volunteer roles were with the Foster Grandparent Program and the Good News Club at Shapleigh Elementary School.
Sewing was Linda’s love language. As her seamstress skills grew she gifted entire generations with clothing, quilts, and Halloween costumes (often of her own design). Whenever possible she involved her grandsons—at every age—in choosing fabrics and patterns for new jackets, pajamas and shirts. She never tired of hearing the question, Nana, can you fix X?, or Can you make Y?. For her grandsons, she was always at the ready to hem something new or repair their well-worn favorites.
Linda marveled at storms on the horizon, weathered barns, and mountains. She delighted in catching sight of the elusive Lady Slipper or in gathering bouquets of May Flowers.
She treasured her lasting friendship with across-the-street neighbor Pauline Stocker, with whom she shared more than two decades of good times.
Above all else, Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, yet her most cherished role was that of “Nana.” She lived for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in every visit, celebration, and handmade gift. Their lives were enriched by her stories, with a vault full of memories: of pulling over to the side of the road, standing in awe under the Alaskan Northern Lights, ice skating as a girl across the frozen fields, the time she dropped the Thanksgiving Turkey, sending it skidding across the length of the dining room floor, or the time she locked herself inside her goat barn; She may have been in her 70’s but still the farm girl at heart, she made her “Great Escape” after several, well-placed, mighty horse kicks! There was never a better Nana. Ever.
Linda was loved, and will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Her legacy lives on. Through her determination in all things, the values she instilled, the example she set, and love she gave.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospice teams who cared for Linda with compassion and dignity. To Calvary Hospice of New York, thank you for your kindness and devoted care during her time with her New York family. To Gentiva Hospice of Maine, especially Denise, Sarah, and Kate, thank you for your warmth, gentleness, laughter, and steady compassion during difficult days. To Linda and her family, you brought comfort to all.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Shapleigh Baptist Church (600 Shapleigh Corner Road). An onsite reception will follow.
An interment service will be held privately.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, East Waterboro, www.mainefuneral.com