What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs. Their affection and love for others come before themselves. Some things fill your heart without even really trying. Love is patient, kind, and humble. Linda M. McDermott (nee Reed) was just that. She was protective, trusting, and hopeful. “Nanny Linda” loved the kids. She was a good sister and friend who took over any room with that large, unforgettable laugh.

I don’t know the secret to happiness, but I'm pretty sure it involves the beach with family, good Mellencamp music, and a Phillies game. Linda spent her summers at the Jersey Shore and wintered in the warm sun of Clearwater, FL, watching the “Phightin’s” get their season started.

Life never gives, however. It merely lends, so laugh and cry in equal measure, celebrate that we loved Linda and have had all of these years together. The sun always sets, and the moon always falls. Somehow, unexpectedly, just days before her 68th birthday, Linda’s tide had quickly slipped away from her beach’s sand to the ocean’s horizon and placed her just a little Farther than the sun.

Linda was born in Woodbury and spent her younger years as a Gloucester kid. It was here she would find love, mixed in with hockey. She spent some of her early working years at King of Pizza, where she took over the kitchen. You just couldn't beat her sandwiches. In her later working years, she spent time driving the school bus for First Student in Lawnside. Linda loved, faithfully followed, and cheered on her hometown Phillies. Her summers were spent in Stone Harbor and Cape May, while at home she loved to cook, spend time with her puppies Cody & Lola, and, of course, the love of her life, Gary.

One day, we will know how lucky we were to have known her love with wonder and fun, not grief. Linda is survived by and will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband of 50 years, Gary McDermott. She will be sadly missed by her brothers and sisters, Vincent & his wife Denise Reed, Susan and & her husband Paul Polus, Robert & his wife Barbara Reed, Patricia & her husband Jack Murphy, and Timothy & his wife Kathy Reed. Linda is also survived and leaves to cherish her memory her numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Linda’s family. We’ll come together to take comfort in each other. Cheer on the Phillies and dance to Peter Gabriel on Saturday morning between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at McGee Celebration Etherington Funeral Home, 700 Powell St., Gloucester, where her family will share their fondest remembrances and favorite stories at 1:00 pm. The time-honored tradition of reuniting those whom we love with nature will be held privately.

Please share your memories, photos, and stories of Linda with us below

© 2026 Creran Celebration LLC. All Rights Reserved - Reproduction Strictly Prohibited

#mcgeecelebration #heartfelt