NEWPORT, NH— Linda Gallup Dennis, 71, a long time resident of Newport and Sunapee, NH passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 17th, 2025. Through her last wishes and act of selflessness, Linda was able to provide the ultimate gift of organ donation. She gave the gift of life to 3 recipients, and the gift of sight to 2 others. Further donations will aid in research benefiting future transplant recipients and donors. Her generous and selfless final act shows her true character and to say Ken, Cara, and Kyle are proud and honored is an understatement.
Linda was the eldest child of Paul Sr. and Barbara “Bobbie” (Hill) Gallup, born on January 16th, 1954, in Newport, NH. At the young age of 12, Linda began working in the various family businesses. Paul and Bobbie owned the Burkehaven Motel in Sunapee, where Linda helped clean rooms and make beds. As a granddaughter of Robert and Eleanor Hill, Linda held various roles at The Woodbine Cottage, including in the pastry kitchen and waitressing. Having learned the values of hard work, she continued on to have a successful career in hospitality, including owning her own house cleaning, catering, and short-term rental businesses.
The Woodbine Cottage is where she met her future husband Ken, rolling potatoes down the driveway. Instantly becoming friends, Ken and Linda spent their summers working together at Woodbine, and traveling during the off-season. Before putting down permanent roots in Newport, they spent several winters in Key Largo, FL. Linda’s life was embodied by her two children, Cara and Kyle. She was the ultimate homemaker, sewing the kid’s halloween costumes, meeting them every day after school, and always having a home cooked meal on the table. She was so proud of the accomplishments Cara and Kyle have achieved in their lives thus far. Linda enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her bigger than life personality will be truly missed.
Linda is predeceased by her parents, Paul and Bobbie. She is survived by her husband Ken of 45 years, Newport, NH, and two children Cara, Worcester, MA, and Kyle, New York, NY. She is also survived by her two younger siblings Paul Jr. and Brenda Gallup, Sunapee, NH and Laurie and Jack Edwards, East Corinth, VT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the “Roots for Linda”, Linda Gallup Dennis Memorial Tree Fund. Checks should be sent directly to The Town of Newport, NH, 15 Sunapee Street, Newport, NH 03773. Credit card donations can be made by visiting GoFundMe.com and searching for “Roots for Linda”.
