Linda Clarke Thompson, beloved wife of the late Eugene G. Thompson, passed away October 26 at the age of 80, surrounded with love by her cherished son Marc Thompson, and his wife Lisa. Linda was born April 18, 1939 in Norwalk to the late Marc A. and Agnes (Grant) Clarke, and graduated Norwalk High School in 1957, but has since been a Fairfield resident for over 50 years. She worked at South Norwalk Savings Bank until 1971. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Gene, and they built their lives together in Fairfield where they raised their son Marc. Linda's parents had a beach house at Ocean Beach 3 in New Jersey where she spent every summer and later spent summers there with Gene and Marc. Linda and Gene shared their love of children and were both crossing guards for Fairfield elementary schools which brought them great joy. Linda genuinely enjoyed her crossing guard duty at Riverfield Elementary School for 20 years. An avid sports enthusiast, Linda taught basketball and other sports, but found great pride and joy coaching her son Marc's little league team along with her good friend Marcia Dostillio. Not only were these two women the first female little league baseball coaches ever, but they led the boys to two town championships. Years later, Linda had much excitement attending Marc's softball games with Gene. They were consistent spectators at every game and Linda would often be seen coaching her son and his teammates from the sidelines. She was a woman loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her in the Fairfield adult recreational softball leagues. Linda was a huge animal lover and always had lots of pets that each held a special place in her heart. In addition to her son Marc and his wife Lisa of Fairfield, Linda is also survived by two sisters; Sharon Clarke Fodor and her husband Robert of Stratford, and Marcia Clarke Read and her husband Richard of Florida. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, October 31 at 10 a.m. in the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME OF EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Rd., followed by interment in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.
