Linda Ann Punska

Linda Ann Punska, 77, of Hatfield, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a long illness. She was born in Northampton on June 14, 1947, to the late Edmund and Elsie (Ginette) Channell. Linda was a 1965 graduate of Northampton High School. She spent many years working in service to others at the Northampton State Hospital, First Call for Help, and the Holyoke Soldiers Home. She married Ronald Punska in 1967, and they began their life together. Linda was full of life and joy. Her smile would light up any room she entered. Linda had a way of making everyone in her orbit feel special. She made the best apple pies and could beautifully braid a head of hair in minutes. She knew how to work hard, and her home was always gleaming. True to her selfless nature, she invariably put others ahead of herself. Always a caretaker, Linda made certain those she loved had what they needed. She provided food, shelter, and affection for so many family members and friends over the years. If you were to ask Linda what she was most proud of in her life, she would say that she knew how to love with an open heart. Her fifty-seven-year marriage to Ron was a love story for the ages. Ron and Linda shared many adventures, including six trips to Disney World, Niagara Falls, and their favorite restaurant Dimillo’s on the Water in Portland, ME. They also loved gallivanting to casinos wherever they could find them. They created a beautiful family, which culminated in her proudest role-devoted grandmother. While her body was still able, she did not miss a dance performance or sporting event. Linda’s laugh was big, but her heart was bigger. She will be deeply missed, but her family will honor her legacy by continuing to love and live as she did. She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Punska, her children, Heather Punska and her husband Jacob Masenior of Leeds, Joseph Punska and his wife Elizabeth of Hatfield, and Joanie Rockett and her husband John of Leeds, her grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished, Jonathan, Jeffrey, Jack, Ellia, Lukas, Kaia, and Kolton, her brothers Bob and Scott Channell, her sister Donna Caron, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her siblings Tom Channell and Karen Soucy. Calling hours will be Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 1-3 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 DAMON RD, NORTHAMPTON. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in Linda’s memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice 30 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Linda Ann Punska

June 14, 1947 - February 20, 2025