Linda Mae Nelson Blakeley, 76, passed away Saturday evening, Aug. 3, 2024, at Complete Care at Harrington Court in Colchester, CT. Born May 20, 1948, in Hartford, Linda was a true “Boomer,” born a year after her father Gilbert Louis Nelson, returned from serving overseas during WW2 and married his high school sweetheart, the flaming-haired beauty, Olive Mae Pfau.

Linda was their only child. After graduating Glastonbury High School in 1966, she went on to study art in Boston and became involved in the counterculture movement of the 60s. She once lived in Haight-Ashbury next door to Janis Joplin. She did not attend Woodstock as she was eight months pregnant with her first child, Kirstin, known as Kiri. After a brief first marriage, she met second husband Scott Blakeley while visiting Wellfleet, MA and had her second child, Felicity Jane.

Linda was extremely close to her mother and spent significant amounts of time at her beloved childhood ranch home on Forest Lane. She was involved in the Methodist Church and was an animal lover. Some favorite pets who predeceased her include dogs Lady, Annie, and Atzi, and cats Maybe, Diablo, and Abby.

Linda had a droll sense of humor and was a creative person with much talent in drawing and painting. She loved watching TV, movies, reading, and could tear through a book in a day. She felt most comfortable in the woods and on the beach. She was camping in Maine when she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed at 61. The true definition of survivor, Linda endured many health setbacks that she overcame with the help of the caring staff at Harrington Court. During her stay, Linda made many deep friendships, enjoyed Bingo, and outdoor events. She was known for her extensive wardrobe, which will now be donated to those in need.

In the weeks before her death, Linda remarked that her childhood horse, Diamond, had returned to live with her. They now frolic together in the pasture of eternity, reunited not only with Olive but also Linda’s adored grandparents Mary Jane “Mae” and Earl Pfau, her beautiful granddaughter, Anabelle Mae Blakeley Peterson, and dedicated long-time friend Kenneth M. Rettberg, who kept her stocked in Cokes and bird seed. She leaves behind her two children and a grandson, Sal.

Rest in peace and fly free, Mom.

In memory of Linda’s life, please consider a donation to Protectors of Animals: https://poainc.org