Linda M. Ecksmith

Linda M. Ecksmith, 66, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia after a year-long illness on January 23, 2018, with her husband Peter Farranto at her side. She was born in Canton, Ohio on April 17, 1951 to Gene R. and Elizabeth Ecksmith, the second of three children. She attended the Perry Local Schools, where she excelled in studies to become a National Merit Scholar and her class Valedictorian while leading many extracurricular activities: Chair of Perry's Repository Teenage Board, Student Director of Perry Players, and officer in many clubs. She won a scholarship to Oberlin College, where she received her AB in 1973, then moved to New York City and worked a year at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital before returning to studies at Columbia University, where she obtained her MA, then at New York University, where she obtained her law degree. While working as an attorney for the New York law firm of Debevoise and Plimpton, she met another lawyer in the city, Mr. Farranto, whom she married in 1988, and as a friend has noted, "the love the two of them shared was a model for so many of their friends." The couple eventually relocated to Atlanta, where Linda loved to entertain friends and family. Twice they hosted Linda's German teenage cousins for a year of high school study in the U.S. Among guests, her cooking was renowned for its variety, excellence, and scrumptiousness, and the enthusiasm with which she prepared it. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Peter Farranto; her brother Richard Ecksmith and his wife Bobbi of Magnolia; and a nephew, Josh Ecksmith and his wife Heidi of Hartville. Preceded in death by her parents Gene and Elizabeth Ecksmith and her brother, Norman Ecksmith, Linda is also survived by many wonderful relatives and dear friends throughout the United States and the world. Friends may call Friday from 11 am- 12 Noon at the Lamiell Funeral Home followed by a service at 12 Noon with Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Linda would have loved a contribution to Aunt Susie's Cancer Wellness Center for Women in Canton, founded by a Perry High classmate: PO Box 2167, North Canton, 44720.