Linda (Grenier) Kirousis

PETERSHAM- Kirousis, Linda (Grenier), 80, of Petersham, MA died peacefully and gracefully with her husband Chuck by her side on January 14, 2023. She carried on with a valiant effort against a most pernicious disease. 

She was born to Norman and Alfreda Grenier on March 18, 1942 in Fitchburg, MA. A passionate life-long learner, Linda eagerly began school at the age of 4 and graduated from St. Bernard’s High School at the age of 17.  As an ardent supporter of education, Linda earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Fitchburg State University, as well as taking courses at Boston University and the University of Michigan. She taught elementary school in Fitchburg and in Birmingham, MI before settling in Petersham in 1968. Determined to further her commitment to equitable education, Linda and her husband Chuck opened Brandon at Petersham, a residential school community, in the late ‘60s. During their early years in town, Linda dedicated herself to motherhood, while sharing her love of reading (especially historical fiction and biographies) and the outdoors with her children and everyone around her. Whether it was a picnic around town, a nature walk, an afternoon making maple syrup, building snowmen, reading aloud, or jumping in the waves at York Beach, Linda looked to share her joy and wonder for life with her children. In 1979, she returned to the classroom to teach second grade at Petersham Center School. Prior to retiring in 2004, Linda made a strong impact on the Petersham community. She invested the same love and energy into her students as she did in her own children, celebrating past students’ achievements with postcards long after their exit from second grade. She was also a Trustee of the Petersham Memorial Library and volunteered at many town events.

Becoming a grandmother brought Linda immense joy and her heart only expanded with each experience she shared with her grandchildren. She loved picking fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden before making breakfast together, animatedly reading them her favorite children’s books, playing board games, helping them write imaginative stories, volunteering at their schools, fervently rooting for them at their games, and spending time telling tales of when she was a little girl. 

Along the way, she and Chuck have had the most wonderful partnership.  Meeting after she watched one of his baseball games at the age of 17, they’ve been inseparable ever since. Linda frequently found joy in sharing long walks, visits to bookstores, and watching Red Sox games with Chuck.  They have created a beautiful life for those around them, sharing yearly vacations with their family in York Beach, Maine. 

She is survived and will be missed by her husband, Chuck; their daughter, Kirsten Yanco of Rutland, MA; their son Will and his wife Rosemary of Leominster, MA; their grandchildren, Nicholas and Zoe Yanco of Rutland, and Emily and William Kirousis of Leominster.  She is also survived by her sister, Arlene Maryyanek and her husband Bob of Conway, SC; nephews and a niece, and many friends.  She was predeceased by her son-in-law Ross Yanco. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Linda’s life at Hartman’s Herb Farm, 1026 Old Dana Road, Barre, MA, when the gardens are in full bloom on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s name to celebrate her love of reading to Petersham Memorial Library, 23 Common Street, Petersham, MA 01366. 

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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