Linda Hikel Obituary

CANAAN - Linda Lee (LaMere) Hikel, 74, of Canaan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, after a decades long battle with dementia. Linda was born in Jeffersonville, Vt., on October 16, 1950, to Nelson and Geraldine Belle (Horner) LaMere. She was the youngest of 4 children. Linda was raised in Canaan and devoted her life to the town, its residents, and most importantly, her family. Linda graduated from Canaan Memorial High School, and then from Johnson State College, where she was the first of three generations to play basketball, and the first of six family members to attend Johnson. She met her soulmate, Cecil Hikel, in her early teens; the two were married in 1970 and soon started their family. They were two parts of one whole and were never far apart from one another; a perfect example of true love and best friends. Many people fondly remember watching them walk around town, always hand in hand. Linda was incredibly active in our little community wearing many hats and contributing in multiple ways. Strong in her faith, she was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for almost 60 years. She was employed by the Town of Canaan for almost 40 years as the Town Clerk, the Town Treasurer, and the School Treasurer. She was an avid sports fan and a knowledgeable coach to many before she hung up the whistle to sit next to Cecil while he ran the clock and she did the books for hundreds of basketball games. If you were lucky enough to be on a sports team that she was involved with, you probably remember getting one of her personalized poems talking about how proud the community was of you. Linda will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her sparkling blue eyes, but mostly for her ability to be kind, be genuine and be loving. Linda was predeceased by her mother and father, an infant sister Betty, and a very special brother-in-law, Patrick Riendeau. She is survived by her loving husband Cecil, sister Bonnie Riendeau, brother Gary (Carmen) LaMere; her children Denette (Shawn) Locke, Brian Hikel, and Kristi (Christopher) Benjamin; her grandchildren, whom she loved more than life, Morgan (Schuyler) Biasini, Dylan (Ciera) Locke, Faith Benjamin, Nelson Hikel, James Benjamin, Marissa Hikel, and Cole Hikel; her sweet great-granddaughters, whom she would have doted on with everything she had, Maeve and Lainey Biasini; and numerous special brothers and sisters-in law and incredible nieces and nephews. There are no public calling hours. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life on Friday, September 12th at 3:00 pm at the American Legion in Canaan. The family greatly appreciates the love and care the Coös County Nursing Hospital and staff gave to Linda. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Linda's name to the Coos County Nursing Hospital, the Grace Community Church, American Legion Auxiliary, or the Canaan Alumni Association for their Scholarship Program. Condolences may be offered to the family online by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.