CANTON - Linda Nichols Lahey Fay, 78, of Canton, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, in the comfort of her home, where she was surrounded by her family and in the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice. Linda’s caring heart, friendly nature, and desire to help others were cornerstones in her career, family, and community.
Born July 3, 1946, in Ogdensburg, NY, Linda was the daughter of the late John “Jack” and Helen Nichols Lahey. She graduated from Massena High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Plattsburgh State and a Master of Education from St. Lawrence University.
After graduation, Linda began a nursing career that would span decades and touch countless lives. She started her career at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, where she worked for five years in the Pediatric Tuberculosis and Intensive Care units. Upon returning to the North Country, Linda became a professor in the nursing program at SUNY Canton, where she taught, mentored, and inspired thousands of students during her tenure.
During her three decades at SUNY Canton, Linda wore many hats within the program from Dean to Program Director. She left an enduring legacy through her tireless work on committees, grant writing, and program development while always keeping her mission of “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” at the forefront of her interactions with students and staff, a sentiment she also brought to the heart of her family.
On January 15, 1972, Linda married Daniel G. Fay at St. Mary’s Church in Canton. The couple settled in Canton, where they raised their three children, Kelley, Ed, and John. Over the years, Linda became an integral part of the community. She served on the boards of numerous clubs and charities, as well as the board of Claxton-Hepburn Hospital.
She enjoyed crafts, painting, reading, and quilting. Her most cherished time was spent with her family and friends and spreading joy. Linda and Dan opened their home and hearts to many, often inviting friends, neighbors, and community members to join them for holidays and family functions. If you were lucky enough to know Linda, you became part of her ever-growing, extended family. She touched so many lives and left us all a little better than she found us.
Linda is survived by her husband Dan, daughter Kelley Glasgow, son in-law Steve Glasgow, son Ed Fay and daughter in law Shirley Fay, son John Fay and grandchildren Garret and Paige Glasgow, Daylin, Hunter, Lennan, Nala, and Neo Fay. Also surviving are siblings, Jane Tarbell, Jim Lahey, Barbara Dyer, and John Merritt, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted sons, brother and sister in-laws, and close friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the St. Mary’s Church, Canton. A Celebration of Linda’s Life will follow at the Hoot Owl as per her wishes in lieu of traditional calling hours. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Linda Lahey Fay Nursing Endowment Award, c/o Canton College Foundation, 34 Cornell Drive, Canton, NY, 13617.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements for Linda Nichols Lahey Fay are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.