Linda Stearns Beaulieu

Linda Stearns Beaulieu, 67, passed away Nov. 8, 2014, at her home in Troy, surrounded by family and friends. Funeral services will be Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Troy, with the Reverend Dr. Bryan Faggart and Rev. Bobby Tyson officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Inurnment will be in Trinity United Methodist Church Garden of Memory. She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Stearns, and stepmother, Eleanor Stearns. At the time of her death, Linda was assistant editor of Montgomery Herald. She formerly worked as editor of the South Hill Enterprise, taught at Montgomery Community College and was a professor at Pfeiffer University and at the College of William and Mary, where she also received her master’s degree in English. Linda was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she was past chairman of Trinity Fund and a lay leader. She had also served on the board of directors of Trinity Music Academy. Linda had a love of learning and was given the name “Learning Linda” by fellow classmates in her Leadership Montgomery Class. The Town of Troy proclaimed October 23, 2010 as Linda Beaulieu Day in recognition of all her contributions to the community. Linda grew up in South Portland, Maine, where much of her family still resides. She loved lobster rolls and fried clams and always managed to find both on trips home. She had fond memories of family camping trips and later, outings with her lifelong friend Karen. Linda's son, Peter, and his family, particularly grandsons, Nick and Austin, brought much joy to her life. She was fond of showing off the most recent pictures of her grandsons and letting you know of their latest accomplishments. These three boys were Linda's greatest love. After making Troy her home, Linda became a familiar face around town. “Lunch with Linda” became a regular outing for many of us in the community after she became ill. She loved reading, and the library at Troy became one of her favorite places. An Anglophile, she loved all things English. Linda was the recipient of many North Carolina Press Association awards. Her work was recognized as outstanding by fellow peers in the field of community journalism. Linda is survived by her mother, Arlene Lewis, of Gorham, Maine; her son, Peter Beaulieu, and his wife Jennifer; her grandsons, Nicholas and Austin, all of Williamsburg, Va.; brother, Michael Stearns, of Coppell, Texas; step-sister, Carol Taylor and husband John, of North Wyndham, Maine. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Fund, 239 N. Russell St., Troy, NC 27371; Hospice of Stanly County, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001; or Montgomery County Relay For Life, c/o Angie Sasser, 316 Roslyn Road, Troy, NC 27371 Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is serving the Beaulieu Family.