Linda Mette Cosby

Linda Cosby passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of Clarence J. Cosby and a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt, social worker, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, education, family, and service to others.

Linda was the daughter of the late Jessie Fonseca Mette and John Duarte Mette. She attended New Britain High School before continuing her education at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1973 and a Master of Social Work in 1977.

Graduating from college was one of Linda’s proudest accomplishments. Her mother had wished for the opportunity to attend college herself but never had that chance. Linda carried that dream with her, and earning her degrees from Howard University represented not only a personal achievement, but also the fulfillment of a hope her mother had held for the next generation.

Linda went on to dedicate her professional life to helping children and families as a social worker for the District of Columbia Public Schools, where she worked until her retirement.

Her sister remembers Linda as a smart and caring woman who truly loved the children she served. Her concern for them extended well beyond the responsibilities of her job. Linda wanted to make sure the children in her care had what they needed, including something as fundamental as having enough food to eat. For Linda, social work was more than a profession—it was an opportunity to care for children, advocate for them, and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Outside of her professional life, Linda had many interests that brought her happiness. She enjoyed crafts and gardening and took great pleasure in creating and caring for beautiful things. Linda was also an avid doll collector, building an extensive collection over the years. Her collection reflected a special interest that became a memorable part of her home and her life.

Linda shared her life with her loving husband, Clarence J. Cosby. She is survived by her stepchildren, Joann Stokes, Bonnie Cosby, Clarence Cosby Jr., Wendy Cosby, and Crystal Cosby. Her family legacy continues through seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Jackie Johnson of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Jonei Carter of Palm Coast, Florida; her nephews, Michael Williams, Jeffrey Grey, Melvin Gray, Isiah Johnson, Donald Blue, and John Blue; her niece, Andera Blue; as well as extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and others whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ken Smith; her parents, Jessie Fonseca Mette and John Duarte Mette; her sisters, MaryAnn Borgos and Regina Blue; her uncle, William Best; and her aunt, Jean Best.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of education, compassion, family, and service. From fulfilling her mother’s dream of seeing the next generation receive a college education to spending her career caring for children and families, Linda used the opportunities she was given to help others.

Her family will remember her intelligence, her caring nature, her accomplishments, her many interests, and especially her concern for children. Her legacy continues through the generations of her family and through the many children and families whose lives she touched during her years of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Linda Cosby’s memory to the American Lung Association.