Linda Jean (Wallace) Martinelli

Linda Martinelli passed away February 6, 2026, after a lengthy and acrimonious argument with cancer.

She was born November 14, 1940, to Walter and Francis Wallace in Johnson City, NY. She attended high school at Union Endicott High School. At Ohio Wesleyan University, she earned a degree in Zoology. After school, she moved to Ann Arbor to work at the University of Michigan. There she met Jack Boers; they married and had two children.

Jack and Linda's first house backed up to an undeveloped wetland that inspired Linda to make a call to the University of Michigan suggesting the wetland could serve as a research area. That call sparked formation of the Thurston Nature Center as the Ann Arbor School District developed the wetland into a Conservation Education Reserve for the children attending the nearby schools.

Observing the wildlife that lived in the wetland inspired Linda's interest in birding, and she took that love with her when she moved to Albuquerque.

As the daughter of a classically trained pianist and an art teacher, art and music were ever present in Linda's life. She passed down that love to her children.

She married Richard Martinelli in 1987. The two of them were happiest when traveling in their RV. Richard died of leukemia in 2003.

Next, Linda became fast friends with John Walter. They spent time traveling and navigating the aging process together.

Linda is survived by her son Robert Boers and his wife Anne Marie, her daughter Amanda Boers and her four grandchildren: Matthew Fitzgerald, Rachael Fitzgerald, Scott Boers and Mary Boers.

There will be a memorial service this week at the Covent Presbyterian Church.

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