Linda F. Elias-Carl

Linda F. Elias-Carl

June 1, 1943 – June 4, 2024

HAMMONDSPORT – Our beloved Sitto, mother, wife, sister, and aunt, Linda F. Elias-Carl, 81, of Hammondsport, NY died peacefully Tuesday (June 4, 2024)

She was a fierce, independent, and loving woman, who knew her own mind and gave freely of her time, energy, and resources to uplift those around her. We will miss her dearly.

Linda was born June 1, 1943, to Albert Elias and Mary (Mike) Elias in Masontown, PA, the youngest of 11 children.

After graduating from Masontown High School, she moved to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., with her sister, Blanche (Elias) McQuade. Upon completion of the Civil Service Exam, Linda served her country as personal librarian to Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the Father of the Nuclear Navy. In this capacity, she was responsible for organizing sensitive and classified information, developing the system to manage access and distribution of such materials, and serving as a confidential courier between governmental offices throughout the city.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

During her time in Washington D.C., Linda met her future husband, a Naval Intelligence officer, Walter J. Carl, Jr., and they were married in 1972. In order to balance her work life with her commitment to her family, Linda took a job driving a school bus, allowing her to earn a living while staying close to her daughter, son, and niece, whom she raised.

In 1979, she and Walter moved to Hammondsport to care for her mother-in-law and father-in-law. While her children were at school, Linda worked at the Steuben Arc as the assistant to the organization’s executive director.

When her in-laws passed, she converted their family home at 17 Shethar Street into J.S. Hubbs Bed & Breakfast (1988) in honor of her husband’s maternal grandfather.

Walter and Linda purchased Park View Wines & Spirits in 2000 renewing a tradition started by J.S. Hubbs who co-owned Columbia Wine Company prior to Prohibition. She subsequently started two additional businesses, Over the Bridge Wine Bar and JAMBE Shipping Emporium, and managed multiple rental properties.

Linda, a woman of deep faith, valued education for her children and continued to pursue her own spiritual and academic growth as an adult learner. She took online courses at Rochester Institute of Technology, Empire College, and Liberty University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology in 2019, reflecting her devotion to her religious beliefs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Linda and Walter were staunch supporters of the Steuben Arc, the Hammondsport Fire Department, the Joseph F. Meade Rehabilitation Center, and Ira Davenport Hospital. She also served on numerous boards, including the Hammondsport Women’s Club, the Hammondsport Public Library, the Arc Allegany-Steuben, Keuka Health Care Foundation, Ira Davenport Hospital, and the Village of Hammondsport Zoning Board. She was a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary and American Legion, and also gave generously to organizations within the Hammondsport community, including sponsoring two scholarships at the local high school: the J.S. Hubbs Business Award and the Elias Carl Spanish Award.

Linda is survived by her two children: Julie Carl-Smith of Newnan, GA and Walter John Carl III of Marblehead, MA (daughter-in-law Meredith Cohen); her brother, Bill Elias of Uniontown, PA; her niece, Michelle (McQuade) Smith of Chandler, AZ (nephew-in-law Frank Smith) and their children, Mackenzie Smith and Brooke Smith; her three grandchildren: Jaida Smith of Newnan, GA, Allyn Carl and Brennan Carl of Marblehead, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Arc, fire department, or public library in your local community, in memory of Linda F. Elias-Carl.

A funeral service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:30 am at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, located at 35 Main Street, Hammondsport, NY 14840. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at Over the Bridge Wine Bar, located at 54 Pulteney Street, Hammondsport, NY, 14840. The interment will be at the  convenience of the family.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Linda’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Linda are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.