Mary Linda “Linda” Wright, 85, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Fairwinds Assisted Living in Rio Rancho. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Linda lived a life defined by love, creativity, generosity, and warmth.

Born on September 21, 1940, in Perry, New York, Linda was the beloved daughter of Mary and Harry Watkins. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Wright, with whom she shared more than 60 beautiful years before his passing. Together, they built a home full of love and laughter, first in upstate New York and, later, beginning a new chapter in the Southwest in 1980.

Linda and Larry raised four wonderful children—David Wright, Douglas Wright, Marci (Cervando) Rios, and Barbara (Dewey) Rabion—each of whom carries forward her legacy of kindness and resilience. Her proudest joy was her family, watching it grow to include ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who affectionately knew her as Grandma Linda.

A woman of many talents, Linda was cherished for her gifts in the kitchen and her caring spirit. Her Christmas cookies were legendary and brought joy to everyone lucky enough to receive them—recipes she lovingly passed down through generations. She was also known for her humor and for her famously indulgent “white trash” mix, which became a family favorite during the holidays. When not baking, Linda could be found knitting—creating hundreds of baby sweaters, blankets, and Christmas stockings over the years. Every stitch reflected her warmth and affection for others.

Linda’s heart of gold extended far beyond her family. She was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, making her a quiet but steady source of comfort and compassion to many.

A service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, at Daniels Chapel on Sara Road in Rio Rancho, followed by interment at Vista Verde Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren De Sims, Darin (Desiree) and Kendra (Kaleb), and Kyle Mulitauaopele, with honorary pallbearers Karissa (Devon) and David (Sky) Porter and Serenity Rios. Her sons-in-law, Dewey and Cervando, will also assist.

There will be no reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://curealz.org

Light a candle, see it glow,                                                                                                                                                                                                   Watch it dance when you feel low.                                                                                                                                                                                       Think of me, think of light—                                                                                                                                                                                               I’ll always be here, day or night.                                                                                                                                                                                         A candle flickers out of sight,                                                                                                                                                                                          But in your heart, I still burn bright.