Canandaigua - Linda Luke Sweeney passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 85 after a brief illness in the comfort of family and friends.

Born in Utica, New York, on July 18, 1940, Linda was the daughter of Robert and Alice Luke. She shared a special bond with her Grandma Kellmurray, who nurtured her love of sewing, crocheting, and crafting—and encouraged her musical dreams. These passions became lifelong sources of joy and creativity.

An accomplished clarinetist, Linda attended Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she majored in music education. It was there that she met her future husband, William J. (Bill) Sweeney. The two were married just days after their graduation in 1962 and began their teaching careers together in New York Mills.

Bill and Linda settled in the Hudson Valley, where they raised their three daughters—Lauri, Jill, and Tara—each four years apart. Their family life revolved around music and the vibrant Arlington school music program.

What began as a small project to earn money for Christmas gifts blossomed into a decades-long business making hand puppets. Traveling throughout the Northeast, Linda sold her creations and built lasting friendships along the way. Over the years, with the help of Bill and the girls, she crafted over 135,000 puppets, each stitched with care and personality.

When Bill retired, they moved to Canandaigua. Linda returned to music, performing with the Rochester Chapter of the American Recorder Society. She also channeled her artistic energy toward designing and making intricate beaded jewelry. When arthritis limited her dexterity, she returned to crocheting—creating more than 150 baby blankets, which she lovingly donated to new mothers.

After Bill passed away in 2008, she settled in Williamsburg, Virginia, before returning to Canandaigua to the community at Ferris Hills, where she made many dear friends.

Linda is survived by her daughters Laura (Scott) Brophy of Canandaigua, NY; Jill (Chris) Heuss of Yarmouth, ME; and Tara Sweeney of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Nora Brophy (James Marshall), Will (Hannah) Brophy, Ryan Heuss, Caleb Heuss, Rachel Brophy, Milan Capoor, and Callum Capoor; siblings Bobbi Zimmerman, Jan Gaffney (Jim Hartnett), and Rick (Rose) Luke; inlaws Bob Sweeney and Diane and Adrian Van Bourgondien; and many beloved friends, nieces, and nephews. She was also excitedly anticipating her first great-grandchild, due in spring 2026.

A family celebration of Linda's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Arlington Band Boosters (P.O. Box 66, Lagrangeville, NY 12540) https://www.abbimusic.org/ , or Cobblestone Arts Center (1622 Route 332, Farmington, NY 14425) https://www.cobblestoneartscenter.com/support , honoring her lifelong love of the arts, music, and education.

To leave the family an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit Linda's tribute wall www.fingerlakescremationllc.com

Arlington Band Boosters
PO BOX 66,, Lagrangeville NY
Web: https://www.abbimusic.org/

Cobblestone Arts Center
1622 Route 350, Farmington NY 14425
Web: https://www.cobblestoneartscenter.com/support