1953 – 2006

AUBURN – Linda G. Caswell, 53, died on Thursday, Aug. 24, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. “Lin,” as she was known, passed away serenely at the Hospice House of Androscoggin surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was an extraordinary lady and excelled in whatever she turned her hands to. The best gift she ever gave was her gift of love and giving to everyone she met. Her extreme kindness and compassion for people will be remembered and forever missed.

She was born on Feb. 7, 1953, in Portsmouth, N.H., the daughter of Richard A. and Janet (Smart) Caswell of Alfred. She attended grade schools in Newington and Portsmouth, N.H., and junior high school in Auburn. She graduated from high school in West Springfield, Mass., with the Class of 1971. In high school, she was active in extracurricular activities, especially cheerleading and gymnastics.

After high school, she attended and graduated from Bauder Fashion College in Miami, Fla. She did do some modeling and some flight attendant work upon graduation.

In 1975, after her parents moved back to Maine, she decided to move back also. She then attended Mansfield Beauty School in Lewiston. Upon graduation, she went to work for a beauty salon, which she later became the owner.

She later changed careers and went to work at the Curtain Shop in Auburn as a sales representative for window treatments and later went to work for Perkins Upholstery in Auburn in the same capacity.

In 1994, she changed careers again, joining Mary Kay Cosmetics as a sales consultant. In 1996, she became an independent sales director for Mary Kay. Unfortunately, the week she became director, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After surgery and chemotherapy treatments, she had been in remission for two years when the cancer returned. On her behalf, many of her close friends put on a benefit to raise money for further treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Illinois. She returned home to receive further treatment. However, the cancer persisted.

She continued her Mary Kay business the best she could, which kept her motivated to battle her cancer. She loved her work.

She is survived by her loving parents; her husband of 26 years, Lawrence (Nadeau) Caswell; her son, Ethan, who was the love of her life; a brother, Bruce A. Caswell and his wife, Dawn, of Rochester, N.H.; a niece, Erin R. Caswell of Nashua, N.H.; nephews, Erik A. Caswell of Concord, N.H. and Dalton B. Caswell of Rochester, N.H.; an uncle, William Caswell and his wife, Priscilla, of Greenland, N.H.; two aunts, Ethel Smart of Kittery and Pauline (Trudeau) Caswell of Dover, N.H.; a cousin, Vincent Taccetta Jr. and his wife, Connie, of New Castle, N.H.; and many other cousins.

The family would like to express their love and sincere thanks to Hospice House, to Dr. Austin, the nursing staff and volunteers for all of their caring and devotion and to Pastor Roger Cousineau and all parishioners of the East Auburn Baptist Church for all of their love and prayers for Lin.