Linda E. (Prentice) "Nevins" Barrett, 65, of Milford and formerly of Manchester, beloved wife of William E. Barrett, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at her home after a brief but courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gerhig's Disease.

Linda was born July 7, 1943, in Manchester, beloved daughter of the late Irving H. and Ena T. (Hooks) Prentice, and had lived most of her life in Manchester before moving to Milford eight years ago. Prior to her retirement, she was the payroll officer at the J.C. Penney Distribution Center in Manchester. Linda enjoyed many hobbies, including building dollhouses and the furniture for the houses. She was a talented painter, artist, and photographer. Linda was especially fond of traveling via cruise ship, having boarded eight ships in seven years with her husband Bill.

In addition to her loving husband Bill, she is survived by five children, Thomas W. Nevins and his wife, Sharyl, of Hebron; Sean P. Nevins of Manchester; William T. Nevins and his wife, Cherie, of Manchester; Michael A. Nevins and his wife, Sue, of Tolland; and Katie M. McKinney and her husband, Kerry, of Manchester; her sister, Martha Aparo and her husband, Thomas, of East Hartford; 10 grandchildren, Sarah, Thomas Jr., Sean Patrick, Danny, Kaseyann, William, Mikey, Sidney, Sam, and Mary Kate; and two nephews. Other survivors include Bill's children and grandchildren, Dawn Marie Weimer and her husband, Bob, of Guilford, Sandy Foley and her husband, Brian, of Chicago, Ill., Karen Vega and her husband, Angel, of Seymour, William Barrett of Milford; nine grandchildren, Tiffany, Danielle, Bobby, Cody, Kyle, Sara, Kristina, Jose, Airial; and great-grandson Jason.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the South United Methodist Church, 1126 Main St., Manchester. Burial will be in the East Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospital for Special Care, ALS Unit, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT 06053.