Linda Desmarais

Linda J. (Dean) Desmarais, age 77 of Fall River, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of Ronald N. Desmarais to whom she had been married for the past 53 years.

Born in Fall River, she was daughter of the late Carroll and Barbara (Smith) Dean. She spent her early youth in Fall River and lived in Swansea for many years prior to returning to Fall River over 50 years ago.

A graduate of Joseph Case High School, Class of 1965, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Hiram College in Ohio. She was a music teacher in the Westport School System for 35 years prior to her retirement.

A talented flutist, she also sang with the Somerset Chorale and the choirs of all the churches she belonged to over the years: Central Congregational Church, the United Parish of Fall River, and the First Christian Congregational Church of Swansea. She enjoyed dining out, especially with her tight-knit group of teacher friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughter, Danielle Desmarais, and her wife Shannon Avery-Desmarais; son, Philippe Desmarais, and his partner Melissa Duphily, all of Swansea; sister, Susan Dean, and her spouse Mary Spalding of Yountville, CA; sister-in-law, Kate Carreiro, of Easthampton, MA, and many nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late Peter Dean.

Her visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00PM at the Waring-Sullivan Home Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, April, 27, 2025 at First Christian Congregational Church, Swansea MA. All are welcome.

Contributions in her honor may be made to the First Christian Congregational Church, 1113 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea, MA 02777.