Obituary: Linda Mae Marchky Cronkhite
Linda Mae Marchky Cronkhite
BRUNSWICK – Linda Mae Marchky Cronkhite passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, surrounded by her beloved caregiver, Béa Bonnaire Blakemore, close friends, and her cherished pets.
She is survived by her brother Lance Ray Marchky from Kelleys Island, Ohio, and his wife Susan Marie Marchky; and a nephew Andrew Marchky and wife Jill Marchky and great-niece Kelly Kennedy Wicker and great-nephew Russell Kennedy.
She was predeceased by her mother Kathleen Barbara Feyedelem and father Cecil Henry Marchky and sister Marla Jean Ridenbaugh.
Linda grew up in Sandusky, Ohio, alongside her parents, an older sister, and a younger brother. She spent her happiest childhood summers at her Hungarian grandmother’s farm on Kelleys Island on Lake Erie, developing a lifelong love for nature and animals. Guided by this deep compassion, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania convent directly after eighth grade. Known as Sister Edna from 1954 to 1968, Linda dedicated her early years to teaching first graders before earning her degree in nursing.
Her nursing career eventually took her to Brenham, Texas, where she served as the Director of Nurses at St. Jude Hospital. Linda was profoundly proud of her pioneering role there in racially integrating the hospital’s patients, ensuring equal care for all. In 1968, Linda made the decision to return to lay life, moving back to Ohio and later transitioning to Boston Children’s Hospital. It was in Boston that she met the love of her life, Dr. Leonard Wolsey Cronkhite Jr. The two were married in 1976.
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Their shared journey took them to Milwaukee, where Leonard became the president of the Medical College of Wisconsin. Never one to stop learning, Linda earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and successfully led a major psychiatric unit. Though both were deeply devoted to their demanding careers, they always prioritized each other – frequently entertaining friends and traveling the world together. Following Leonard’s retirement, they moved to Brunswick in 1985, where they joined the Cumberland Club in Portland. Linda remained an active, vibrant member of the club, where she became legendary for her love of Halloween and the spectacular, unforgettable parties she threw.
Following Leonard’s passing in 1996, Linda was blessed to find companionship again. In 1998, she married Ashton Johnson, a dear, longtime friend of the couple. They shared many wonderful years together until Ashton’s passing in 2013. Linda will ultimately be laid to rest alongside her beloved Leonard in Arlington National Cemetery, honoring his service as a Major General in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Linda was truly the life of the party, bringing joy, energy, and a vibrant spirit wherever she went. She was a fierce animal advocate who gave back generously to her community, regularly supporting charities including MSMT, People Plus, Oasis Clinic, the Brunswick Humane Society, and the Tedford Shelter. In her later years, Linda found immense comfort and joy in her beautiful home, surrounded by a lush landscape of plants and flowers, the company of her dedicated live-in caregiver, and the pets they shared. Her warmth, generosity, and lively spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. There is a magical place that held a special spot in Linda’s heart and brought her immense joy for many years among the baby goats in pajamas, sunshine and likeminded, kindhearted people called Sunflower Farm which is located in Cumberland Center. In June of 2027, near the time of what would have been Linda’s 86th birthday, this is where we will be holding her celebration of life.
Friends and family are invited to visit 2-5 p.m., Saturday Oct. 24, 2026 at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be shared at http://www.brackettfh.com.
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