Linda Cummings Joyce passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026 with her sister, Patty, niece, Jean, and best friend, Emma Whittaker by her side.

Linda graduated from Penquis Valley High School, where she was inducted into the National Honor Society, and the University of Maine, Class of 1982, with a degree in Education.

Linda had a fulfilling career as a nanny and daycare provider. She loved the children in her care, and reading children’s literature especially those with “juicy words” and a message that supported the emotional needs of kids. She provided routine structure, which made her an outstanding nanny.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Kenneth & Marie Cummings of LaGrange, Maine. “Grief is just love with no place to go”. Linda is reunited now with our mother.

Linda is survived by her son, James M. Joyce, IV of Opelika, AL; siblings: Carolyn Veillette (Stephen), Barbara Hamlin (Neil), Nancy Glasheen (Michael), Patricia Cummings (Doug); and nieces, Dr. Jean Hamlin, Kristy Glasheen Doscher, and her nephew and hero, Lt. Col. Anders Hamlin.

A mass and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 1:00 pm at the Newman Center, 83 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473.

Gifts for a childcare scholarship in Linda’s memory may be made to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792 or at engage.umaine.edu/lindajoyce