Essex - Linda Jeanne Desell, 67, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Essex, Vermont. She was born in Schenectady, NY on October 23, 1950 daughter of the late Paul and Mary (McGauley) Desell. Linda was awarded a baccalaureate from Mary Washington College in 1972, followed by a Juris Doctor from George Washington University in 1977. Linda’s career of 40 years at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy in Washington D.C. focused on safeguarding the environment and consumers. However, Linda’s career of service was only one facet of her life.

Linda was creative, generous and gentle. She enjoyed photography, successfully capturing many family celebrations and smiles, as well as designs in nature which were later reflected in her quilts. Linda made dozens of quilts, kindly giving them to family, friends and strangers; each unique and stitched with love. Linda soothed suffering and brought joy to others when she sang accompanied by her guitar. She possessed a great love for animals which sparked their trust and affection in response. Nothing delighted Linda more than being in the barn with her horses. Linda’s life reflected her faith in Christ and gratitude to God. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. A careful observer, Linda sought to respond to needs with generosity and care. Linda had many gifts and shared those gifts daily. She is loved and dearly missed.

Linda is survived by her sisters Paulette Desell-Lund and husband Jeffrey Lund of Waterville; Jennifer Booth and husband Jason of Virginia; her brothers Lou Hablas and wife Beth of Georgia; Christopher Hablas and wife Jen of Virginia; her nieces and nephews Margaret Cavazos and husband Sam of Vermont; Madison Hablas and Patrick Hablas of Georgia; Samantha Hablas; Joseph Hablas; Thomas Hablas; Matthew Hablas; Jake Booth; Mary (Maisy) Booth and Charlotte Booth of all Virginia. She was also predeceased by her nephew Alex Hablas.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday October 25, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday October 26, 2018 at St. Pius X, Essex with Reverend Charles Ranges, SSE officiating. Memorial contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to Maple Ridge Memory Care, Attn: Activities Dept., 6 Freeman Woods, Essex Junction, VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.