MESA, AZ – Linda Harrell Martorano, 62, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on November 6, 2010.

A beloved wife and mother who grew up in North Carolina, Linda lived and loved in Arizona for her final 30 years. She spent much of her career in the insurance industry and finished her working days by following her heart, caring for children.

Linda is survived by her husband of 27 years, Rick; step-son, Jeremy, and his wife, Alicia; and “daughters, Collette Runfola and Cera Becker, all of Arizona; a brother, Adolph Harrell of Ahoskie; and sisters, Evelyn Palma of Holbrook, MA, Barbara Perry of Ahoskie, Lucy Paul of Sarasota, FL, Faye Askew of Suffolk, VA and Eleanor Runfola of Scottsdale, AZ.

Nanee, as she was known by many, lived at home through a lengthy illness thanks to the loving care of her nephew, Jason Runfola. To her numerous nieces and nephews, Nanee was their “cool aunt”, always available to discuss life or play a few hands of poker. She always kept the coffee hot for her friends and the car warmed up for shopping expeditions.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are urged to the Valley of the Sun United Way or any organization supportive of children.