Linda E. DuBord
Linda E. DuBord passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Whitney Center in Hamden after a long illness. She was born at Yale-New Haven Hospital on January 5, 1944; the daughter of the late Henry J. DuBord and Florence (Jenkins) DuBord. She was the loving sister of the late Deborah Fowler (David). Linda was an exemplary, dedicated teacher in the Hamden Public School System for 34 years, having taught at Mt. Carmel, Ridge Hill, and Alice Peck schools. She received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Math Teachers, worked on various curriculum committees, and was instrumental in initiating the Continuous Progress Reading Program. Her diverse interests included a love of nature, piano, concerts, Native American culture, and sports-being a staunch supporter of UCONN Women's Basketball. Once she retired, she joined the Laurel View Senior Women's Golf League (and really did not like to putt). A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Joni Hansson, Kathy Rodd, the staff at New Haven Dialysis, and to Peggy Joyce and the staff in the Health Care Unit at Whitney Center for the compassionate care they provided for Linda. Burial services will be held Saturday, September 2 at 10:00 AM in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in Linda's name may be made to Whitney Center, c/o Peggy Joyce, 200 Leeder Hill Dr., Hamden, CT 06517. Arrangements entrusted to Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service.
One of the most courageous women I know.
I am extremely saddened to learn of Ms. DuBord’s passing. I was one of her students at Ridge Hill School during the 1980s. In fact, she was my Fourth Grade teacher. If I’m honest, she was also my favorite teacher. It’s easy to explain why: she had a huge positive impact on my life. She was one of the first teachers who recognized where my interests lay, and really encouraged me to do better and try harder. Before Ms. DuBord, I often coasted from subject to subject, doing well, but never really making a huge effort. She changed that. She made me realize how important learning was, and she encouraged and developed my love of history. That’s really saying something when you consider that she was instructing a 9-year-old, complete with a 9-year-old’s attention span. I can still remember the wonderful lesson she taught us on the American Revolution, as well as the Native Americans of Connecticut. She even made me like Math, which is really saying something! She believed in her students, and while sometimes stern, deeply cared about those who she taught. She will be deeply missed.
Linda was the best neighbor any one could ever have. She and I spent countless days doing yardwork together and talking. She was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her chosen profession. I will miss her forever.