Linda L. Dana, 81, of Pleasant Point, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, in South Portland with her family by her side.

She was born in Portland on April 18, 1945, the daughter of the late Reuben and Frances Cleaves.

Linda was the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward. She was witty, goofy, compassionate, and always good for a laugh. Whether she was joking around with family, sitting at the kitchen table talking, or offering advice when someone needed it, she made people feel comfortable and cared for. She was dependable in every sense of the word, the steady rock of her family, and someone everyone knew they could count on.

Her family meant everything to her. Some of her happiest moments were the simple ones spent together. Linda was a patient and understanding mother who listened first and parented with kindness. She always tried to see things from other people's perspectives and gave advice without judgment.

For Linda, being "Mimi" was one of the greatest joys of her life. She adored her two grandchildren and was incredibly close with them, spending as much time as she could babysitting, laughing, and making memories together. Her grandchildren truly were her world.

Linda also loved traveling and enjoyed trips to Oxford Casino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, and the many Bingo nights near and far.

She was a strong woman with a forgiving heart, someone who appreciated life and the people in it. Everyone had fun when Linda was around, and her happiest moments were the simple ones shared with those she loved most.

Linda was especially proud of her Passamaquoddy culture, language, and traditional basket-making. Returning to her home in Sipayik, she cared for her mother until the Lord brought Frances home. She continued to reside there with the love of her life, Edwin Dana, with whom she shared more than 20 wonderful years.

Linda was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Roberta Richter; and her brother, Timmy "Tom" Newell.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Edwin Dana, of Sipayik; her son, John Naples of Buxton, whom she adored; her daughter, Tammy Francis and her husband, Domekin, of South Portland, whose daily care and devotion never wavered; her beloved grandchildren, Charissa Hathorne-Davies and her husband, Aaron Davies, of Gardiner, and Cade Hathorne and his girlfriend, Abbey, of South Portland; her brothers, Clayton Cleaves and his wife, Judy, of Pleasant Point, and Stan Cleaves and his wife, Peggy; her Godchild, Margo Downing and her husband, Paul, of Indian Township; her Aunt Genevieve Neptune of Sipayik; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Linda will be remembered for her strength, her sense of humor, and the way she made everyone around her feel welcome and cared for.

Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Elder Meal Site, Pleasant Point, until 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Church, 51 Washington St., Eastport. Burial will follow in the Tribal Cemetery at Pleasant Point. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services.