Linda Douglas passed away Sunday (May 24, 2026) after a long illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Olean on May 13. 1956, the daughter of Robert Carlyle North Sr. and Betty Ruth Hawley.

She graduated from Cuba High School in 1975.

Linda and Richard M. Freer Sr. married and had two children together. They opened Freer Upholstery together where she put her sewing and business skills to work.  Although their marriage wasn’t permanent, they remained friends throughout her life.

Always willing to help, she supported the Porville Fire Department. It was a significant part of her life as many family members have served as officers there, including her second husband, Jeff Latten, who remained a friend.

During the summers for the majority of her life she could be found at the family cottage at Cuba Lake. In her youth she waterskied and enjoyed the fireworks there with family every July 3.

Linda started working as a bookkeeper for her family business (what is now known as Portville Concrete Products and North Pro Hardware) when she was young, and this experience provided the foundation for her career. After she went on to manage car dealerships and eventually opened another business, Portville Sales Inc. With husband Lawrence Douglas, who predeceased her.

She is survived by her children, Ruth Michelle (Ples) Breazeale and Richard M. Freer Jr.; stepchildren, Brian Douglas and Danielle (Robert) Ostrum; siblings, Robert (Georgette) North Jr., Stanley (Sue) North and Laura (Ken) Shields; and grandchildren, Ples (Charlotte) Breazeale IV, Allissa Crooks, Gabriel Breazeale, Patrick Phillips, Paige (Benjamin) Bluhm and Dottie Douglas. She also had great-grandchildren and many who adopted her as their Grandma Linda; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Ginger.

The family also wants to thank all the people who helped take care of her during her illness with a special thanks to Crystal Lawton, an honorary daughter who was always willing to help however she could.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Larry A. Douglas; Debbie Douglas (step-daughter); Sara Douglas (step grandchild); and all of Larry’s siblings.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Portville Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.