Linda Keller ... longtime Rochester teacher; at 75

Linda Keller, age 76, of Rochester, died with family by her side on Oct. 21, 2022, in Nashua.

Linda was born in Waterville, Maine, the daughter of Ralph and Esther (Hayes) MacKechnie. She is survived by her son Douglas Keller, daughter and son-in-law Sara and Paul Toussaint and her beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Anna. She was predeceased by her husband and son, David and Christopher.

Linda was raised in Lebanon, Maine, where her parents owned the country store. She loved to share stories of her childhood experiences living in the "country". Linda graduated from Sanford High School and later from Plymouth State University, where she earned her teaching degree.

Linda was a master teacher (truly one of the best) and with more than 35 years of service with the City of Rochester School Department, she impacted many lives. She will be remembered for her kindness and compassion that she often afforded to her colleagues as both mentor and friend. She had a special sparkle in the classroom that inspired her students. She was dedicated to making her classroom fun and engaging. She prided herself in making middle school science class both accessible and fun for her students. She had a sharp sense of humor and a quick wit that made everyone love her. She had a special way of knowing exactly what people needed and found a way to be that for them. Her loyalty and love were felt by many.

Although Linda was best known as a teacher, her greatest accomplishment was as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was fiercely loyal and loved her family more than anything else. She cherished her grandchildren and always prioritized their needs. They affectionately called her Mamu. She loved crafting with Anna, and spending time in nature with Ryan. She taught them how to love unconditionally by the way she loved them. They were genuinely the apple of her eye.

Linda will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We take relief in knowing that she is with her beloved husband and son, and they are watching over us together.