Linda Nellis Reed

Linda Nellis Reed passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 15th after a heroic battle with kidney disease. The daughter of Leon and Claire Corkery Nellis, Linda was born in Middletown on May 10, 1954. She attended St. John’s Elementary School and graduated from Mercy High School in 1972. After graduation she embarked on a thirty plus year career with the Stop and Shop Corporation, retiring in the early 2000’s as a bakery manager. Linda was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her. At holiday gatherings and summer picnics, she was often the one to crack a perfectly timed joke that broke the tension if the conversation grew too serious. When she became the mother of an autistic child, Linda rallied all her personal resources and focused them squarely on her son’s needs. She became an advocate not just for her own child, but all special needs children. Over the years, her family was awestruck by her tenacity and dedication. Linda was predeceased by her husband, David Reed, Sr., her parents, Leon and Claire Nellis, and a brother, Stephen (Turk) Nellis. She will be sorely missed by many people, including her son, David (DJ) Reed, Jr., her brother and sister-inlaw, Jerry and Sue Nellis of Middletown, and her sister and brother-in-law, Trish and Bob Dynia of Durham. Linda also leaves behind several nieces and nephews; Matt Nellis of Middletown, Scott and Althea Nellis of Durham, Samantha Sawyer of Middletown, Lauren Morello of Plantsville, and David Michnowicz of Fort Meyers, FL. Linda’s family is counting on her to watch over great-nephews and nieces, Sophia, Sadie, Natalie, Ben, Teddy, and Raina, as they grow up. We will always be grateful to her network of friends and professionals who provided so much encouragement, care and resources over many years, especially Damion Palmer, Theresa and Scott Cianciolo, Lyle Cyr, and Maureen Turcotte. Funeral services will be held on Friday (Sept. 24th) at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Burial will be in the State Veterans’ Cemetery, Middletown. A calling hour will be held on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.