Linda VanTassel, 71, of Heritage Village, Southbury, and formerly of Danbury, died peacefully November 19 at the home of her daughter in Ridgefield. She was the wife of the late Michael VanTassel. She was born February 25, 1944, in Union City, Penn., a daughter of the late Kathleen (Rosier) and Wilfred Hamilton.

Ms VanTassel received her bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University and her master’s degree from the University of Alaska. She was an educator at Newtown High School for 27 years.

She also served as director of Christian education at Bethel United Methodist Church and children’s minister for the First Congregational Church in Ridgefield.

She leaves her loving daughters, Leslie Bigelow, and her husband Damon, of Ridgefield and Kaylin Barnwell, and her husband Robert, of Danbury; her four grandchildren, Leah, Kilah, Trey, and Braylin; one sister, Anne Still of Erie, Penn.; her sister-in-law, Lynette Allanigue, and her husband Dr Roger Allanigue, of Erie, Penn.; nieces and a nephew.

A memorial service will take place December 19, at 11 am, at North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International, at www.heifer.org.

Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury.