CUSHING – Lynda E. Matson, 76, died surrounded by loving family, following an extended illness, Friday, February 3, 2017 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Camden, April 26, 1940, she was the daughter of Carl and Charlotte Miller Ladd. Educated locally Lynda was a 1958 graduate of Rockland High School. On January 21, 1957, Lynda was chosen to be the Drum Major for the Marching Band during President Eisenhower’s Inaugural Parade. Lynda had an outgoing personality from an early age, and she was especially pleased when she saluted the President as she passed, and he saluted right back.

In July of 1958, Lynda married her high school sweetheart, Frank Baudanza. Together they welcomed two children, Michael and Francesca.

Lynda entered the work force after high school, working first at Goodnow’s Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. Later she started her career as a supply technician with the hospital, first at Knox General Hospital, continuing with Pen Bay Medical Center when it opened in Rockport.

After her marriage to Mr. Baudanza ended, Lynda later married Walter ‘Mike’ Matson. Blending their families, she helped raise his five daughters, two of whom predeceased her.

Lynda had a zest for life, and loved to keep busy. She kept beautiful flower gardens and flower boxes around her home. She loved traveling, especially to Vegas and Atlantic City. Visiting Trump Towers was a highlight of one of those trips. She was an avid Red Sox fan, attending many games with her family, and even met Rico Petrocelli in an elevator.

Lynda had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain. She was an accomplished tap dancer and participated in the Pen Bay Follies for many years. She loved to have fun and made friends easily. For more than 15 years, Lynda enjoyed the companionship of Mr. Donald Demmons.

Although in recent years her illness has confined her to home, her bright spirit and smile stayed with her. She was blessed to have the constant daily care of her daughter and her companion Harold as well as her son Michael. She will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by her husband Walter ‘Mike’ Matson; Lynda is survived by her children, Michael J. Baudanza of Thomaston, Francesca Lyn Makinen and her partner Harold Clarke of Cushing; her sister Michelle Keller and her husband David of Maryland and Arizona; her grandchildren, Mikaela Lyn Makinen and her fiancé Camden Miller, Rico Giuseppe Baudanza; niece and nephews, John M. Russo and his wife Kara of Hilliard, OH, Adrienne Ryan and her husband David of Lincolnville, Alexander Clark of AZ; as well as numerous cousins and a large extended family.

An hour of visitation will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2017 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 Noon. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.