Linda Belenger, 83, of Raynham and Mattapoisett, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, peacefully at home. She was the wife of sixty-three years to Robert Belenger.
Born in North Dighton, MA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Ann (Baker) Litchfield. She was raised in Taunton, graduating from Taunton High School in 1955. Linda was the oldest of three children; she was predeceased by her brother Alan Litchfield and sister Carol (Litchfield) Oliveira.
Linda is survived by her children Kim and husband Thomas Avila, Jr. of North Dighton, MA, and Jon Belenger and wife Karen of Somerset, MA. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren, Taylor Belenger, Alexandra (Timothy) Lynn, Corrie (Jay) Devenger, Aimee Avila, and Bailey Avila. She will also be missed by her companion cat Dexter.
Family was a very important part of Linda’s life, from weekly Saturday family gatherings at her grandmother’s, to serving as a Scout Leader when her children were younger, to spending hours at Mattapoisett Crescent Beach in the summer with her husband and children, and later, her grandchildren. Linda was very active in both her church and her community during her lifetime. She worked for many years in the Raynham Public School System at Lillie B. Merrill School and thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the town’s children grow up, a job she truly loved.
Linda was a long-time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir and was active on many committees. She was the first female Lay Reader at St. Thomas in over 250 years. She was a dedicated Altar Guild member for fifty-five years, having just retired, also serving as the Assistant Directress. Linda was a member of the Flower Committee delivering flowers to church members who were in hospitals and nursing homes. Christmas time, she was put in charge of the Poinsettias at the church that were delivered to shut-ins. In addition, she served three terms on the Vestry, was the Chairman of the fair for several years, and chaired the Memorial Flower Committee. She also chaired the “Mile of Pennies Drive” that contributed to a renovated kitchen, chaired the on-going maintenance fund, and was a member of the Music and Mission Committee’s until her recent retirement.
Linda was a member of the Taunton Mother’s Club and served on the Taunton’s Girls Club Board of Directors. She was a member the Morton Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary as well as a volunteer at the hospital. She was a member of the Taunton Chapter, American Red Cross where she worked many blood-drives. Linda also worked as a reporter “Stringer” in Raynham for the radio station WPEP, covering the Selectman’s meetings and keeping the towns people well informed. She was a former board member of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in Taunton and served as Secretary for four years.
When there was work to be done, Linda remained a faithful and dedicated worker. She took great pride in her church, and she was frequently found behind the scenes helping where needed. Linda lived her life with a “say it like it is” attitude but, there was no more faithful a friend than Linda or, a kinder heart to those sick or shut in. She remembered every birthday, anniversary, graduation or life event and she would send flowers, a card or note to let someone know she was thinking of them. She went to every family event, holiday gathering, recitals, and sports games. She supported many charities. Linda spent every summer at her cottage in Mattapoisett, where she spent hours at the beach, sitting in “her spot” and enjoying her family and friends. She and Bob became residents of Mattapoisett over twenty-five years ago. She could always be seen at the 10AM Service at St. Thomas Church on Sundays and lived her life to the fullest, until she was called home by God.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home 350 Somerset Ave, Taunton, MA
Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life service to be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church at a later date.
Memorial donations in Lind’s memory can be made to the Taunton Historical Society, 66 Church Green, Taunton, MA 02780. HTTPS://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org, The Raynham Historical Society, P.O.Box 136 Raynham Center, Raynham, MA 02768 https://Raynham Historical society.org, MSPCA #50 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 https://mspca.org, or, Mattapoisett Land Trust P.O.Box 31 Mattapoisett, MA 02739
