Linda J. Martinez

Linda was born on July 12, 1947, in Oneonta, to Olin and Aulis (Harrington) Waters. She was a proud graduate of Milford Central School, Class of 1966.

Linda met Joe “Happy Jose” Martinez at Rua & Sons Tire, and they were united in marriage on July 20, 1968, in Portlandville. Their nearly 50 years of marriage were a testament to the love they shared; Joe predeceased her on June 1, 2018. Linda was lucky enough to find a second soulmate in Joe Weaver; they shared wonderful times as the DreamWeaver couple and provided care and companionship to each other.

Linda held a variety of jobs and will be remembered as a dedicated LTA at ONC BOCES, where she touched the lives of countless students. She always enjoyed running into them as adults and having them say hello Mrs. M. She also enjoyed organizing trips for the Susquehanna Valley Seniors group, bringing people together for fun adventures and creating lifelong memories.

Linda had a zest for life that was truly infectious. She was known for her love of ticket auctions, envied for her luck at winning items and notorious for yelling “Shake ’em up"! She loved sharing a cocktail, always finding a reason to raise a glass in celebration. Her sense of adventure also extended to the open road—Linda had a bit of a lead foot, often driving faster than the speed limit in her love of the thrill of the ride and she was always the first person on and the last one off any dance floor!

Linda's family finds peace knowing that she is now with Jesus, rejoicing in His presence and reunited with her beloved Joe. Though we will miss her deeply, we are comforted by the hope of eternal life and the assurance that we will see her again.

Linda is survived by her children: Carmen and Brian Williams, and their sons Nathan (Tara) and Corey Williams and their children, Colton, Ava, and Gabriel Williams; Alicia and Tom Fish, and their children, Parker Fish (Kate) and Amanda Fish (Tyler) and baby boy Aitkens; Jose and Michelle Martinez, and their children, Kaitlyn and Scott Stillwell and their son, Oliver, Kiley Martinez, and Lindsay and Logan Propst. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy (Joe) Miller, and James (Brenda) Waters; her life partner, Joe Weaver; lifelong besties Alice and Kaye; friend and constant companion, Sue Clark; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Olin and Aulis Waters.

Linda’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to those who supported her with love and prayer through her journey. Their kindness meant the world to her, and it’s a comfort to know she was surrounded by such a loving community.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow with the Rev. Stephen D. Fournier officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in Linda’s memory be made to the Aulis Waters Memorial Scholarship at Milford Central School, c/o Jenny Dutcher, 42 W Main St, Milford, NY 13807. To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home.