Sterling-Constance Elin (Linberg) Borden, 85, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Rose Monahan Hospice Home at Coes Pond in Worcester after an extended battle with cancer. Connie was a bright light in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Born September 15, 1921 in Newton, MA, daughter of Andrew Christian Linberg and Hildur Carolina (Hellquist) of Swedish descent, Constance was the youngest of 3 children, sister to Robert A. and Gordon C. Linberg. Connie graduated from Newton High School in 1939. She then attended Colby Junior College (Colby Sawyer College) in New London, New Hampshire where she earned her degree of Associate in Arts in 1941 and discovered her gifts as a writer. After graduation, Connie entered the working world in Boston, eventually taking the position of secretary at Franklin Institute in Boston where she met her husband of 50 years, Roger R. Borden, professor of mechanical engineering and minister in the Congregational and United Methodist Churches. Married in 1957 at Central Congregational Church in Newtonville, Connie and Roger moved to Worcester when Roger when appointed to the faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The birth of their son, Andrew Hathaway; Amy Carolyn (d. May 11, 1963) and adopted daughter Meredith Anne ensued. The Borden family lived in Princeton and Petersham before settling permanently in Sterling, MA in 1969.
With a lust for life matched by few and constant desire to expand her horizons, some of Connie’s pastimes and avocations included gardening, scrapbooking for Children’s Hospitals, listening to Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, animated storytelling, bridge games, volunteering for many organizations including UMass Memorial Hospice, Old Sturbridge Village, The Boston Museum of Science Sun Lab, and literacy volunteering. She enjoyed numerous train excursions with her husband across the US as well as a transcontinental cruise aboard the Queen Elizabeth II. Connie loved the natural world and animals. An active member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Worcester, Connie was also a member of the Swedish organization VASA. She worked as secretary for the Dean of Students at Holy Cross College in Worcester for more than 10 years.
Connie is survived by husband Roger R. Borden; son Andrew Hathaway Borden, Evangelical Lutheran pastor in Worcester and engineer at Bose Corporation; daughter Meredith Anne Borden, professional singer in New York City; brother Gordon C. Linberg of Linberg Marina Inc.; and granddaughters Lynn Marie, Elise and Krystal Jean Borden. A memorial service will be held for Constance at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester on Saturday at 10:30 am. Private burial will be in Newton Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Donations can be made to the UMass Memorial Foundation, Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester MA 01613-9938. For directions and on-line guestbook, please click below.