Linda Eastman

BIDDEFORD – For decades, Linda Eastman was a constant and reassuring presence on her beloved Basket Island, off the coast in southern Maine. Summers there won’t be the same without Linda, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 79.

Linda Belle Eastman was born Jan. 29, 1945, in Ithaca, N.Y., the daughter of Lucile D. and Donald D. Eastman of Ithaca and later Biddeford. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1962, she attended Ithaca College and business school in Rochester, N.Y. Following her education, Linda worked in Ithaca, N.Y. as a lab technician until her move to Biddeford, where her parents had resettled. By moving to Maine, she was nearer to family and could spend weeks and months on Basket Island, where she became the caretaker of the family’s cottage and other Island properties.

Linda was a passionate animal lover. In her earlier years, she primarily had dogs, but during the latter half of her life, it was all about cats. There were always at least one or two cats, and at one point, she had seven! Linda was also an avid birder. She actively participated in the York Audubon Society as secretary/treasurer and organized national and international expeditions for fellow birders.

Linda was an excellent craftsman and woodworker, known regionally to craft retailers for her wind chimes and other decorative art inspired by her life in Maine. She was also an accomplished pianist and knowledgeable classical music listener and collector. But for family and friends, Linda will be most remembered for her love of Ragtime music. Anyone who heard them will never forget her renditions of Scott Joplin tunes played on an old upright piano echoing through the warm summer nights on Basket Island, where we will celebrate Linda’s life later this year.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother and father; and her two sisters, Deborah Oliver of Ames, Iowa and Cynthia Heller of Syosset, N.Y.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, David and Julietta Eastman of Ithaca, N.Y., her brothers-in-law Tom Heller of Syosset, N.Y. and David Oliver of Seattle, Wash.; plus many nieces and nephews. Linda is also survived by Gem, her treasured feline friend for the last eight years, who has found a foster home thanks to Four Legged Freedom Rescue of Cumberland, and Southern Maine Veterinary Care in Lyman.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation in Linda’s memory to:
Four Legged Freedom Rescue at http://www.fourleggedfreedomrescue.com or on their Facebook