Linda Robbins (Bradshaw) Archibald of Hanson died peacefully on March 31, 2024. Born April 10, 1940, she was the first child of Barbara Croft Bradshaw and Clinton Gladstone Bradshaw. Linda graduated from Whitman High School with highest honors, and was the Valedictorian of her class in 1958 (just as her father had been before her). She married Ernest Archibald in 1960, and they moved into the home Ernie (Arch) built for them in Hanson, raised their two children, Stephen and Ann, and lived happily together until Arch’s untimely death in 1994.
Linda worked at the Town Clerk’s office from 1958 until 1964, when she gave birth to Stephen and ‘retired’ to be a full-time mom and home maker, which she loved. Six years later, Ann was born making them a family of four. When both children were in school, Linda went back to work, this time at a nursery school. Shortly thereafter, she joined Arch in starting their own company, Chemical Control Associates - a fuel additive company, that was very successful. After his death, and selling the business, Linda again changed occupations and worked as a receptionist/admin for BAMSI (Brockton Area Multiple Service Inc.), retiring from that job at age 70.
Linda was always an active individual, hardworking, dependable, and reliable. In high school she was secretary of her class for 3 years, president of the National Honor Society, co-captain of the basketball team, seeded number one in tennis, class monitor, and involved in many clubs, events, and various activities. In her senior year, she was honored as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution award. Engaged in scouting for many years, as a Senior Girl Scout she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievable award for a girl scout. As a teenager, she taught Sunday School and participated in junior high and high school youth groups at the First Congregational Church in Whitman. After marriage, she continued to be active in her new church, First Congregational Church of Hanson, again teaching Sunday School, helping with Bible School, serving as Deacon, playing bells during service, participating in Maids and Matrons, working on church fairs, and conducting prayer groups. She was a
trustee of the Fern Hill Cemetery for many years and was a member of the Hanson Historical Society. Where there was a need, Linda was always up to the challenge. She followed her motto, “Be the task big or small, do it well or not at all.”
She enjoyed being a mom and homemaker. Her baking for family, friends, and church members was renowned. Young and old were always welcome into their home or their cottage in Manomet, invariably with warm cookies.
Linda loved her immediate and extended family. She enjoyed keeping connections alive among people, making sure holidays and events were inclusive and special. She enjoyed people and loved to meet new ones. Her warm, welcoming smile helped her make friends easily, while her sincerity and genuine interest helped them stay. She kept those friendships all her life. In fifth grade she began a pen-pal relationship with Rosita in Nebraska that has gone on until now. She cared about individuals, and one felt that caring, be it in a note, a call, a chat, a visit - you knew Linda was there for you in joy, fun, help, or sorrow.
She will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her and feel lucky to have had her love in return.
Linda is survived by her son, Stephen Archibald, her future daughter-in-law Cheryl Aveni, her daughter Ann Barbato, son-in-law Thomas Barbato, grandchildren Jacob and Alyssa Barbato, her ‘adopted granddaughter’ Michaela Healy, her sister Janie Culbert, brothers-in-law Andrew Culbert and John Archibald, sister-in-law Jane Archibald Thetonia and husband Joe, nieces Emily Culbert Kushvaliev and husband Miro, Sarah Culbert Williams and husband Jeremy, Kathy Benson,
nephews Adam Culbert and wife Erin, Neal Archibald and wife Michelle, Nathan Archibald, and David Benson, many cousins, notably Barbara Cobb, Marcia Sykes, and Richard Adams, and Jan Brown Butts, her dearest friend of 70 plus years.
Family and friends are invited to Linda’s visitation Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church, 639 High Street Hanson. Followed by a burial at the Fern Hill Cemetery, High Street, Hanson.