Linda Margaret Wern

Linda Margaret Wern passed into eternal rest on Thursday, November 4th following a brief hospitalization. She was 79. Linda was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England to Robert and Gwynneth Catt. She adored her three brothers, Bob, John, and Jim and her childhood friend Jeanette Grimwade.

On July 4th, 1966, at age 24, Linda embarked upon a great adventure in America.

Her constant companion Jeanette would join her shortly thereafter. The pair were employed as Au pairs with separate families on the east coast. Linda worked in Manhattan, New York for the Williams family, not knowing that the experience would lead to a bond that was lifelong and familial. Joan and Jack Williams and their children Roderick and Maris would maintain that closeness for the duration of Linda's life. Linda often visited the Williams and was openly thought of as a second mother to Roderick and Maris and as a sister to their wonderful mother, Joan.

Following the time spent with the Williams, Linda and Jeanette moved into an apartment in New York, living the single life in the city. They embraced the social scene of the times and worked hard in a succession of clerical jobs.

During the early 1970's Linda met Edgar B. Wern, during a job interview that he was administering. The joke in the family is that he did not hire her, but dated and later married her instead. Together they had one son, Robert Wern, of Fairfield, Connecticut. Edgar predeceased Linda in 2008. The couple settled in Wilton, Connecticut where Linda was employed by the Wilton Public Schools until retiring in 2008. She began her career in the district as a part-time copy room clerk and worked her way into a central office position. She was widely respected by her co-workers, from the newest hire to the Superintendent. Her honesty and diligent efforts were never in question. 

In her private life Linda was a master crafter, able to take freshly shorn wool and process and manipulate it into a gorgeous finished product. She was skilled at the use of a loom and at needlepoint. For many years Linda was heavily involved in NEPR, an organization that holds immersive reinactments of the colonial period. She enjoyed the social aspects and the handicraft on display. She especially relished the public days at camp, the opportunity to share her love of the spinning wheel with children, very meaningful to her. Some of her dearest friendships blossomed during these encampments.

Linda is survived by her son, Robert Wern and his wife Susana Wern, of Fairfield. She is also survived by her brothers John Catt and his wife Hetty, James Catt and his wife Kim, and her nephew Glenn and his wife Lauren. Glenn Catt also has two children, Grace and Freddy. All still reside in England. Her nephew Stuart Catt resides in Dubai with his wife Nina. Bob Catt, her oldest brother sadly predeceased her in 2008. Jeanette Grimwade, her "sister" in every tangible sense, who since age eleven has been by her side, resides in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The light of Linda's life was her Grandson Ian and granddaughter Dylan. Linda spent every weekday for five years caring for Ian. She thrilled at taking him to museums, the zoo and aquarium, and especially reading to him and aiding him in developing his reading and writing skills. Her regretfully short relationship with Dylan was sweet and meaningful.

A celebration of Linda's life will take place at the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven, Connecticut.  Date and time TBA.

Donations in Linda's memory to St. Jude would be appreciated by the family

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