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Linda C. Byrd

After struggling with health issues for over a year, my loving wife of almost 50 years passed away at home on Sept. 28, 2024, surrounded by our two children, Jessica Byrd and Steven Byrd, and myself, Timothy Byrd. Also at her side was Bailey, her beloved Morkie. Before Bailey, Linda’s other dogs, Fred, Alex and Ranger were constant companions and loves.

Linda was born in Mt. Vernon, New York, in 1955, daughter of Elsa Anita (Lans) Smith and the late Robert A. Smith. In 1969, the family relocated to Dallas, Texas. One August day in 1972, this girl from New York happened to bump into this Texan (me) before the start of our senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ). It was one of those chance meetings where two people have an immediate connection - a connection that lasted 52 years.

Linda was an artist (like her Dad, Mom and siblings). After graduating from TJ, she enrolled at the University of North Texas (UNT) in 1973. She majored in art - something she always enjoyed. In 1975, the two of us decided to get married in June on Friday the 13th. We were both 20 years old. Were we too young? Probably. Did we know what we were doing? Probably not. Could a Yankee and a Texan have true romance? Absolutely! It turned out to be the smartest and best decision we’ve ever made. We lived in the Dallas area for most of our adult lives, not moving to Connecticut full time until 2018. Jessica was born in 1978, and Steven in 1980. Linda was very involved in their education and was an active member of their schools’ PTAs. Art was her true passion, whether she was “doodling,” exploring art museums with friends (Chihuly was a personal favorite), or helping out with her daughter’s art classes, field trips, and school exhibitions. She also loved solving puzzles, especially while watching golf with me.

Besides Jessica, Steven and me, Linda is survived by her mother, Elsa “Anita” Smith of Guilford, and her five siblings: Laura Parks of Denison, Texas; Donna Zuniga of Portland, Oregon; David Smith of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Sharon Shoemaker or Madison, and Peter Smith of Bellingham, Washington.

Services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Tabor Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Road, Branford. Burial will follow in Tabor Lutheran Cemetery, Tabor Road, across from the church. Linda was always involved in helping people in need, especially after natural disasters. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, one of Linda’s favorite charities. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.