Linda Joan Volker

Linda Joan (Shinensky) Volker, 91, passed away on June 17th at her residence in Liberty Commons in Chatham. She was the only daughter of Abraham Shinensky and Sara (Skolnik) Shinensky.

Linda was born in Brooklyn NY and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School. She attended Champlain College in Plattsburgh NY, and it was there that she met her beloved husband of 67 years, Charles John Volker, Jr., who predeceased her in 2019. They made their home in Port Chester NY with their two daughters, Beth F. Volker of Essex Junction VT and Lori P. Gaygan of Valhalla NY. Linda was employed as a nurse’s aide at United Hospital in Port Chester for almost 30 years, and she loved that job. It was there that she captured and brought home seven cats that had been abandoned on the hospital grounds. They all remained in the Volker household for their entire lives. The cats were joined by several dogs, gerbils and parakeets. One of Linda’s greatest joys was feeding the birds and squirrels in her large backyard in Harwich. She also loved whale watching on the Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown MA.

Linda and Charlie retired to Harwich 26 years ago, where they had a very long and happy retirement, both on the Cape and traveling around the country in their RV, spending several winters in Florida and making two trips to Alaska. Linda loved volunteering at Wild Care in Eastham, where she fed baby birds in the spring and summer months. She was a loving wife and mother and had many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Linda’s family would like to thank the staff at Maplewood at Brewster , and especially her private caregivers, including Geriatric Care Manager Diana Gavoni and aides Linda, Bianca and Caresia to name just a few.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on August 17th at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way in Orleans. Internment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where she will rest beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s memory to Wild Care, 10 Smith Lane, Eastham MA 02642.