Linda June Cannata

Linda June Cannata (Ayer), 76, of Goffstown, NH, passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH on December 31, 2025. Born on August 23, 1949 in Manchester, NH, Linda was the eldest of three children to Richard and Lillian Ayer (Orlop). Linda grew up in Hooksett, NH, and graduated from Manchester Central High School, Class of 1967. Linda graduated from Hesser College with an Associates degree in Business Administration, and worked for over 10 years at the Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH).

Linda was a devoted homemaker, mother and grandmother. She dedicated most of her years to maintaining a sustainable homestead in Deerfield, NH, alongside her husband Michael. Linda maintained extensive lawns, gardens, an orchard and flower beds, and together with Michael ran a family Christmas tree farm (Ridge’s End). Linda was an avid canner and baker, making mass batches of tomato sauce, apple sauce, pickles, pies, breads and seasonal jams and jellies to share with friends and family. She enjoyed spending her free time crafting, reading, completing puzzles, playing cards, painting and playing games on her I-Pad, and visiting with her children and grandchildren.

Linda is survived by three daughters Kathryn (Joseph) Gordon of St. Albans, VT, Kimberly (Erik) Wright of Goffstown, NH, and Kristen (David) Melendez of Wappingers Falls, NY; her brother Richard (Karen) Ayer; her sister Lesley (David) Wallace; four grandchildren Bradley, Lily, Lorena, and Leon; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Michael (2021) and parents Richard and Lillian Ayer. A private celebration of Linda's life will be held with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dartmouth Health & Geisel School of Medicine in Linda’s name, which supports services such as the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care at https://dhmcalumdev.hitchcock.org/giving/jack-byrne-center. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is in charge of arrangements. To view an online memorial, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.