Lynda N. Gilwee

BARRE TOWN, VT – Lynda Newcombe Gilwee, 82, the matriarch of a large and loving family, died March 25, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

Lynda was born December 22, 1941, in Montpelier, VT to Douglas H. and Phoebe (Lewis) Newcombe. She spent her early years in Morrisville, then moved to St. Albans in the seventh grade. She attended BFA in St. Albans, playing basketball for BFA Comets’ coach Doc Comi. After graduating in 1959, she earned her nursing degree from the Concord Hospital School of Nursing.

She started her nursing career at St. Albans Hospital before moving to Barre, where she went to work at the Central Vermont Medical Center and Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for most of her career.  She was the recipient of the Rose Black Award for Excellence in Nursing.

On October 19, 1963, she married William E. Gilwee at St. Mary’s Church in St. Albans.  After their marriage, they made their home there for two years before moving to Barre.

Lynda, known to her family as “Bivy,” was the nucleus of a family that loved spending time together.  She had a larger-than-life personality.  She loved hosting big family gatherings, especially at holidays, when she drew her family close from near and far.  Her children and extended family meant the world to her.

She was a member of the St. Monica Catholic Church. In her spare time, Lynda enjoyed painting, traveling with family and friends, especially to Ogunquit and York, Maine.  She was a devoted grandmother, faithfully attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her husband William E. Gilwee of Barre Town; three sons Bryan E. Gilwee and his wife, Vicki of Williston; John S. Gilwee and his wife, Jennifer of Shelburne; and Todd W. Gilwee and his wife, Wendy of Barre.

Additionally, her grandchildren: Matthew Gilwee and partner, Kendall Henderson; Owen Gilwee and partner, Sian Titmuss; Cameron Gilwee and fiancé, Denver Heath; and Aidan Gilwee, Meghan Gilwee, and Catherine Gilwee; and her brother David E. Newcombe and partner, David Chawk; and her sister-in-law Bette Gilwee; as well as nieces and nephews Kathy Goodrich, Karen Bath, Douglas Newcombe, Elizabeth Brown, and Adam Brown.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Douglas H. Newcombe, Jr., and her brother-in-law, John F. Gilwee.

The Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in the Holy Cross Cemetery in St. Albans.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Resident Activity Fund at Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 142 Woodridge Road, Berlin, VT 05602.