Plattsburgh, New York - We said goodbye to our dearest Linda in the early morning of June 26, 2026. Linda will be seriously missed but her beautiful spirit lives on.

Linda was born and raised in Verona, N.J., by her parents Paul Pearson and Louise (Carlson) Pearson along with her brothers Jim, Tom and Bobby. Linda attended Ramapo State College and majored in art. She later moved to Pennsylvania and then met her future husband Dan Hackel. Linda and Dan made their home in Peru, N.Y., later moved to Ellenburg, N.Y., eventually landing in Plattsburgh.

As a talented stained glass artist, Linda taught the art of stained glass to numerous people through the years and had a stained glass shop in downtown Plattsburgh for many years. Numerous family and friends were the lucky recipients of her beautifully designed and crafted works of art. She was incredibly skilled and talented.

Linda was passionate about gardening, and the flowers she grew and displayed outside her home drew attention from many passersby. It was one of her favorite places to spend time in the summer, her happy place.

Linda walked the earth gently, laughed often, treated people with kindness and generosity, and always had an open door. She had enormous love for family, friends and her furry companions. Recently, Linda traveled with friends to Costa Rica and Mexico to swim with sea lions, hike, and bask in the vegetation and wild sounds of the rainforest.

Throughout Linda's illness with an aggressive cancer that required numerous treatments, she remained cheerful, gracious, surprisingly active, always made time for others, and rarely complained. It was quite inspirational. She became involved with support groups and cherished the time spent with friends she met. Linda deeply cared for other people and always went out of her way to provide time and support for others both before and during her illness.

Linda is survived by her brothers Tom Pearson (wife Karen), Bobby Pearson, sister-in-law Sandy Pearson, many nieces, nephews and cousins, Maureen Harpell, her long time friend from childhood, Ryan Smith who Linda loved as a son, so many close friends that she adored, and her precious Bela. Linda was predeceased by her husband Dan Hackel, her parents Paul and Louise, and her brother Jim.

A celebration of life for Linda will take place on Aug. 15, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4 Palmer St., Plattsburgh, N.Y., from 1 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Elmore SPCA, PO BOX 686, Peru, NY 12972.