Linda Tomlins Turpin

Linda Tomlins Turpin, 82, of Crisfield, MD, died peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, following a brief, but challenging illness. Always a strong and independent woman, she chose to leave on her own terms, declining all treatments when she knew there was no possibility of recovery. Her last spoken words were simple, yet profound: “I want to be free.” She was surrounded by the people who love her the most as she prepared for her death, while prayers from people both present and not present simultaneously ascended like incense to accompany and usher her on that final stretch of the journey beyond this earthly pilgrimage. She is indeed free now, in God’s hands, and can be at peace.

Born Linda Lee Lanius on September 28, 1943, to Marcus and Mary Lanius, she grew up in York, PA. She is preceded in death by two husbands, Jack Edward Tomlins (d. 1992) and Charles David Turpin (d. 2009), as well as her sisters Kathleen Schneider and Jeanne Lillard, brother Mark Lanius, and brother-in-law Frank Schneider. She is survived by her beloved children, Leah Tomlins and Matthew Tomlins and his partner Jessica Bruce and her daughter Addisyn, beloved grandson Chase Tomlins, and his mother, Christy Tomlins (née Goldman). Her nieces and nephews include Barbara Wallick (Bob), Daniel Lillard (B.J.), Frank Schneider (Toby), Greg Schneider (Cathy), Kim Lanius (Angela), Larry Lanius, and Mark Lanius (Annette), Teresa Hurley, and Wayne Schneider (Missy), as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Linda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Chatham College in 1965. Shortly after her marriage to Jack Tomlins, they moved to New Mexico. Her career in early childhood development began in the 1970s when she became a room assistant in the child development center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She became passionate about developing and strengthening child development programs, and after four decades of tireless dedication to the field, she ended her civilian career as Regional Director of Early Childhood Development for the U.S. Navy in 2004. Following her retirement, she continued to use her knowledge and skills to assist Newberry First Steps in Newberry, SC, and most recently It Takes a Village in Crisfield, MD.

A very caring and giving soul, Linda was always willing to help others and always selfless where family was concerned. During her 82 years, she met many people from diverse walks of life who would become lifelong friends. Those who remain among us will miss her deeply and cherish the memories they shared. Because of her genuine nature and kind-heartedness, she touched the lives of everyone she met in a quiet, yet enduring way which they now carry with them. In that way, a part of her is very much alive.

A service, with reception to follow, will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Princess Anne, MD on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Mom, we thank you for a lifetime of selflessness and sacrifices, for wonderful memories, for all the fun times and holidays, all the encouragement, all of the resilience during difficult times, all of the things you taught us along the way, and most of all, thank you for your love. Without it, and without all of these other things, we would not be who we are today. You will remain with us always, and will always be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s name may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Mailing address 30315 Washington Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853

The reception will be held in the fellowship hall of Manokin Presbyterian Church:  11892 N Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853