Gorham—Linda R. Straw, 58, of Gorham, passed away peacefully after a long illness on May 19, 2016 with her family by her side. Linda was born on August 23, 1957, the youngest of four children, to Reynold and Amy McCarthy Emery. She grew up in Lincoln, Maine and graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in 1975. She went on to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle where she graduated with a degree in Library Sciences. After graduation, Linda moved to southern Maine where she worked at K-Mart and Woolworth Department stores, prior to her job at Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham where she worked for over 25 years. Linda married the love of her life, Kevin Straw, on May 9, 1981. They resided on the Straw Family Farm where she proceeded to raise their two daughters, Karen and Bethany. Kevin and Linda recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Linda loved to spend time with her family, especially her two grandsons, Benjamin and Lincoln, who were the light of her life. She always enjoyed family gatherings and she also enjoyed embroidery, crochet, reading, cooking, and spending time outside. Linda is survived by her husband, Kevin Straw of Gorham, daughter Karen Straw and partner Eric Bordeau of Gorham, daughter Bethany Cousino and husband Brian Cousino of Gorham, grandsons Benjamin and Lincoln, sister Pat Whitney of Freeport, brother Paul Emery and wife Fran Emery of Shapleigh, and brother David Emery of Lincoln. Linda is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Huston Road, Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda's Memory to the Raising Readers Program. Donations can be made online at raisingreaders.org or by mail to MaineHealth, Attn: Raising Readers, 110 Free Street, Portland, Maine 04102.