Linda Alice Binari (Collins), age 78, of Peabody, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Kaplan House, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in 1947 in Peabody, Massachusetts. Linda was the daughter of the late James and Anita Collins (St. Pierre). She grew up in Peabody with her parents and her late sister, Susan Sturtevant (Collins). Linda’s mother, Anita, was one of 19 siblings, and her father, James, had three sisters. The family home was a constant hub of activity, regularly filled with aunts, uncles, and the many cousins who followed.
Linda had a wonderful childhood; she was a gifted musician, who loved playing the piano her whole life. Her love of music and childhood education ultimately led to her becoming a music teacher, a career that started with the Bell School in Marblehead. Linda had a vibrant spirit and artistic personality. She attended school at Ste. Chretienne Academy in Salem, as well as the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee. She also studied abroad, and traveled extensively throughout Europe with her sister Susan.
She met her beloved husband, Michael F. Binari from Melrose, and they were fortunate to share 51 wonderful years of marriage. Together they took over her fathers’ restaurant in downtown Peabody and Linda was lucky enough to spend much of her time making her home and raising two sons, James and Mark. She also had a love for cooking that she acquired at her father’s restaurant and spent a lot of time cooking throughout her whole life.
As her sons grew older and required less of her devoted attention, her passions for music, education, and children called on her yet again. She became a nanny for a wonderful family in Stoneham. Then when those children were grown she became the music teacher at Saint Mary’s in Melrose, blessing a new generation with her unique blend of fun, creativity, enthusiasm, and love.
Linda was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was special to all that knew her and she will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her husband, Michael, two sons, James (April) and Mark (Andrea), her grandson Felix, and so many others who loved her dearly.
Family and friends are invited to her visiting hours on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rout 114 / 1-A] Salem. Her graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 11:45 AM in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. For guestbook and to send a condolence, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com.