Linda Jennie Clark Dahms

With profound sadness and a deep sense of loss, we announce the passing of Linda Jennie Clark Dahms, who left this world on June 25, 2026, one day after celebrating her 83rd birthday. Linda passed away peacefully at her home in Maine, having waged a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her journey was marked by unwavering strength, grace, and the love of her dear family and friends. Linda was born on June 24, 1943, in Maine, the cherished eldest daughter of Ethel Straw and Edwin Shepard. She was predeceased by her loving parents, her beloved husband, Peter Dahms, and her dearest big brother, Robert Shepard. Her legacy of love and family continues in the lives of her daughters, Tamarra Clark Towle and her husband Haydn Towle of North Waterboro, Maine; Jo Ann Clark and her husband Zhenya Zafrin of Ossining, New York; and Susan Clark of Porter, Maine. Linda's life was a rich tapestry of family, faith, and friendship. She was blessed with five grandsons: Johnathan Cook of Tokyo, Japan; Julian and Stephanie Clark of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; James Cook and Jessica Rutherford of St. Augustine, Florida; Taylor and Kacie Cook of St. Augustine, Florida; Tesher Clark Zafrin of Ossining, New York; and SuNuchi Mattis of Ossining, New York. Her heart was further filled with joy by her twelve great-grandchildren: Alison, Isla, Morgan, Rune, Rowan, Kieran, Ashton, Baylen, Jameson, Thorsten, Maclen, and Damian. Linda is survived by her sisters, Amanda McConihe and Holly Pinkham, and her brothers, Dwight Shepard, Peter, and Rusty Rowe. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless dear friends who were touched by her kindness and warmth. A graduate of Buxton High School, Linda was poised for a career in nursing but chose to follow her heart into marriage and motherhood. She later pursued her passion for design, earning an Associate Science degree in Interior Design from Southern College in Orlando, Florida. Her career was as varied and vibrant as she was, from her time as a highly successful regional director for Home Interiors & Gifts in Alaska to her many roles and positions in home decorating over many decades. Linda was a Home Kitchen Designer, a Window Furnishings Designer & Installer, for JC Penney, the Home Decorator Lead Sales with JoAnn Fabrics for many years, and several years worked as a tailor & seamstress with LL Bean. Linda also pursued her own independent entrepreneurial spirit having a Wallpapering Design & Installation business. Prior to retirement Linda worked part time with the US Postal Service, and as a Career Counselor with the Maine Career Center. Linda's life was enriched by her deep Christian faith. From the age of 3 as a Cradle __ to Vacation Bible School as a young girl, she was always active in her church community, regardless of where she lived. Shee taught Sunday School for many years, and led The Good News Club at Shapleigh Baptist Church with devotion and love. Her faith provided her with strength and gave her the compassion to assist elderly church members and contribute to the spiritual growth of those around her. Her hobbies reflected her creative spirit and her love for her family. A talented seamstress, Linda crafted countless garments and costumes for her children and grandchildren, leaving each stitch infused with love. Her artistic eye extended to her passion for interior design, where she transformed homes into havens of beauty and warmth. Linda's life was an exquisite blend of nature, family, and friendship. She cherished Maine's natural beauty, finding joy in its trees, birds, and seasons. Her home, lovingly referred to as her "little house in the big woods," was a sanctuary where she marveled at the dance of light and color upon the landscape. A service celebrating Linda's life will be held on August 1, 2026, at Shapleigh Baptist Church, located at 600 Shapleigh Cor Rd, Shapleigh, ME 04076. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted hospice staff in New York and Maine, particularly Denise, Sarah, and Kate, for their compassionate care and support during Linda's final days. Linda Jennie Clark Dahms lived a long and extraordinary life, one filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of creation. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit, resilient and loving, will continue to inspire us all.