Linda T. Mellen

Linda (Taylor) Mellen delighted riding a flamingo pink bicycle around her Punta Gorda, Florida neighborhood. Now remembered for her adventurous spirit, administrative expertise, fashion flair and marketing savvy - the Lowell, Massachusetts native died on June 17, 2018. Born in the city where cotton was once king on January 9, 1944 she was educated in Lowell public schools, and a proud 1962 graduate of LHS. Lindas secretarial and administrative career brought her from Belvidere to New Hampshire, Bermuda, California and Western Massachusetts - working for the former Sanders Associates, an island contractor, and as a dedicated staff member serving our veterans and the U.S. military. In 1973 she joined City Hall as chief assistant to then Mayor Armand W. LeMay, in a key chapter of city revitalization. The former City Councilor and Mayor called her A true and lifelong Ambassador for the City of Lowell. Lindas enthusiasm for Lowell history and its recognition as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, was paired with her talent as a seamstress, decorator and gourmet cook. All of those interests accompanied her to Livermore, California in 1978 through 1987 where she welcomed Lowellians and family, as a knowledgeable guide to the San Francisco Bay area. Linda worked at the Westover Air Force Base, nearby her Wilbraham, Massachusetts home as Medical Assistant of Military 439th Medical Squadron until her 2004 retirement. She enjoyed reconnecting with Spindle City friends and revisiting New England with her son Casey Taylor, until moving to Punta Gordo, Florida eight years ago. At the time of her death, she was in the care of Tidewell Hospice of Florida. Its Tidewell Wish Foundation brought Florida-based family and lifelong friends together with her on June 12 at a celebratory picnic and visit to Gilchrist Park under a pavilion overlooking the Peace River. Linda was predeceased by her parents John and Estelle Taylor of Lowell, in 1995 and 2002, respectively, and in 2012 by her former husband, Lawrence Wayne Mellen. Survivors include son Casey of Punta Gorda, Florida and siblings James and Kathy Taylor of New Haven, Connecticut, John and Beth Taylor of Bedford, Massachusetts, Estelle Taylor Miller and Al Miller of Punta Gorda, Bruce (Zeke) and Elaine Taylor of Clearwater, Florida and Elizabeth Taylor ONeill of Mashpee, Massachusetts. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Florida, with arrangements by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services in Punta Gorda. The family asks that any memorial gifts be contributed to the Tidewell Wish Foundation, 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota Florida 34238.