Linda R. Guaragna-Herlihy

Linda Rose Guaragna Herlihy passed away at the age of 65, surrounded by family, in her Scituate home on November 3rd, 2023, after a 4-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was the youngest daughter of the late Rose M. Guaragna of South Boston.

Accepted to Boston College on scholarship, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education, followed by a master’s degree from Lesley University. She then dedicated over 30 years of her life to the Boston Public School systems, first as a special education teacher and then as a coordinator. She retired at the age of 59 in 2019 due to her battle with cancer. Full of empathy and kindness, she supported many parents, teachers, and students on their educational journey. She will be dearly missed by her fellow teachers and the families she worked with for years.

Linda married John Herlihy in October 1989, after knowing each other since they were teens. They settled down in Abington, Massachusetts for 30 years, in which they had their first child, Ian, and later adopted Kimberly. Linda was a loving wife to John and a devoted mother who would do anything for her children. She was always a pillar of strength and support for her family.

She was a strong and fierce woman who valued her independence. This remained true even throughout her long struggle against metastatic breast cancer which inevitably took her life. She is survived by her wonderful husband, two children, her sisters Susan M. Tremblay of Wakefield, RI and Marsha A. Orlando of Westborough, MA, her niece, Kristen S. Huberdeau of Whitman, MA and many loving relatives and friends.

A private celebration of life will be hosted in her honor, according to her wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Faber Cancer Institute or to your local pet shelter, in honor of Rosie, her beloved family dog.