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

Born in Camden on 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 Jan. 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, and continuing with Pen Bay Medical Center when it opened in Rockport.

After her marriage to Frank 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 Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Visiting Trump Tower 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 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 fiance, Camden Miller, and Rico Giuseppe Baudanza; her niece and nephews, John M. Russo and his wife, Kara, of Hilliard, Ohio, Adrienne Ryan and her husband, David, of Lincolnville, and Alexander Clark of Arizona; as well as numerous cousins and a large extended family.

A celebration of life was held Feb. 13 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.