Linda Leigh Dolly
Linda Leigh Dolly, 60, of Elizabethtown, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly on July 24th.
Linda was born on July 25, 1961, to Norris and Mary Dolly in Hunterdon, N.J. After Linda graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1980, she studied Journalism at SUNY Morrisville and the University of Georgia.
Linda’s time in college ignited her passion for photography and the written word. From Atlanta, Ga., to Burlington, Vt., Linda built a vibrant career in print and photography. Her eye for design, her love of storytelling, and her ability to capture the beauty around her made everyone’s lives richer. She had incredible antidotes, wisdom beyond her years, and unparallel wit.
In 2002, Linda opened her own photo studio “Linda Dolly Photography,” on Cobble Hill Road in Elizabethtown. Through her lens, each photograph revealed her attention to detail, love for her community, and compassion for the world. Some of her many photography credits include:
– School photos for Elizabethtown Central School
– Numerous weddings and family portrait sessions
– School sports – including the New York State High School Football Championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse
– The Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon
Linda was hardly ever without her camera by her side. One of her favorite games to play whenever strolling in the woods or city streets would be to say, “Stop, shoot!”
Linda and her companion would each have 5 seconds to take a photo of something. It was amazing what her eyes could come up with in such a short span of time. She naturally saw the beauty in others and her surroundings.
In 1998, Linda met Kevin McKee, the love of her life, her dreamboy, and on July 21st, 2001, they had a fairy tale wedding at her family home on Cobble Hill. Although the two never had children of their own, “Beautiful Aunt Linda,” or BAL for short, always felt blessed to have numerous nieces and nephews in her life. She always made time to celebrate the big and small moments in their lives.
Linda’s love for small and spontaneous adventures often included a kayak, a camera, and a journal. When she wasn’t writing or taking photos, she was supporting her community through various local organizations, including The Original Committee to establish Rediscover Elizabethtown, which later became known as E-Town Day, The Elizabethtown Community Hospital Auxiliary, past president of the Essex County Arts Council, Elizabethtown Social Center’s Writers Group and an early and frequent volunteer at Otis Mountain Get Down Festival where she could boogie with the best of them.
Linda was predeceased by her father, Norris Dolly, her mother, Mary Kile Dolly, and her brother, Glen “Del” Dolly. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Kevin McKee, brother, Jerome and his wife Donna, sisters, Mary Sue Wolson and her husband Charlie, Sara Mehr and her husband Peter, and Barbara Milstein and her husband, Mark. Nieces and nephews include Troy Dolly, Alex Dolly, Laura Dolly, Jared Wolson, Ahren Wolson, Devin Wolson, Cody Dolly, Ryan, Dolly, Maggie Dolly, Emily Dolly, Sydney Mehr, Spencer Mehr, Addison Mehr, Sophie Milstein, and Jake Milstein.
Linda is also survived by her mother-in-law, Beverly McKee, and sisters-in-law, Joyce Maroun and her husband Arthur, Rebecca Rocque and her husband Matt, and Florence Bourgeois and her husband Bill. As she once said, “Some might say I am getting old. I prefer, I lived long enough to tell some tales!” In honor of Linda, please share your tales and take a photo with someone you love today and help tell their story.
Private family services will be held early Friday morning in one of Linda’s most cherished places. Later from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 29th, there will be an open reception at the Cobble Hill Golf Course in Elizabethtown, N.Y.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. To light a memorial candle or leave online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com
Published on July 28, 2022
