Linda Borden McKean died peacefully at her home in Rumson June 2, 2022. Born in 1928 to Judy and John Borden, she was a devoted and much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was also a passionate teacher, community leader and fisherwoman.
Descended from the Borden Mills textile family in Fall River, Massachusetts, which included the notorious Lizzie Borden, she grew up in New York City and Rumson. Educated at The Brearley School, Bennington College and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, Linda worked as an actress. She appeared in multiple summer stock theater productions, the Clare Street Theatre and Off-Broadway, with a featured role in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” In 1952 she married Q.A. Shaw McKean and moved to Rumson.
She taught remedial reading at The River Street School in Red Bank for over decade and later became a reading and drama teacher in the New York City public school system. In 1985, she received a master’s degree in teaching from The Bank Street College of Education and continued working as a part-time drama teacher in New York City public schools. Drawing on her experience, she developed and led theater and poetry workshop programs at Fountain House (1987-1991) and then at Venture House (1991-2021), both national mental health nonprofits in New York City.
An active community leader, Linda served as a trustee of Rutgers University, board member of the Leopold Schepp Foundation, president of the Mary Owen Borden Foundation and president of the Shrewsbury Foundation.
Linda’s skill as a fly fisherwoman was legendary. With her husband Shaw she traveled and fished around the world – New Zealand, Iceland, Argentina, Chile, Russia, Yugoslavia, Canada, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Catskills, and the Western U.S. – and regularly put other fishermen to shame. Linda shared her passion and love for fishing, crabbing, gardening and cooking with her children and grandchildren.
Linda is remembered with much love by her surviving children and their spouses: Cressida McKean and Russell Borthwick, Quinn and Lisa McKean, and Jocko and Cindy Mckean; six grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Venture House, 150–10 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, New York 11432.
A celebration of her life will be held Sept. 11 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rumson Country Club, Rumson, New Jersey. All are welcome.
The article originally appeared in the July 21 – 27, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
