09/08/2026
To know Linda is to love Linda. One of the genuinely kindest women I have known.
Linda Ann (Bean) Pardee, 60, of Melrose, MA, a fearless musician, graphic designer, and larger‑than‑life presence in the Boston music scene, died on August 16, 2026, after living with metastatic breast cancer with the same style and humor she brought to everything she did.
Born in Somerville, MA on March 31, 1966, and raised in Malden, MA, Linda built her life around music, art, and community. She was best known as the singer and bassist of The Chelsea Curve, carrying the torch for sharp, melodic pop punk and the mod and scooter scene with her unmistakable voice and stage presence. She also performed with the bands Orbit and Permafrost, briefly joined Gang of Four before her illness, and played in many other projects over the years. She was admired for her deep love of performing and the positive, uplifting joy she brought to every show.
Offstage, her graphic design work shaped the look of countless bands, album covers, posters, and shows. She especially loved traveling to England, where she brought her music, style, and openness to meeting new friends and fans to every stage and street she landed on. At home in Melrose, she and her husband opened their doors to touring bands from overseas with the kind of hospitality that turned musicians into family.
Linda is survived by her husband and partner in all adventures, Calvin Pardee V, and their son, Calvin Pardee VI, both of Melrose, MA. She was the loving sister of Joanne Alvarez and her husband Juan of Raymond, NH, David Bean and his wife Sandy of North Reading, MA, and John Bean of Malden, MA. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, David Bean and Frances (Matiejunas) Bean of Malden, MA.
Her loss is deeply felt by her extended family, her bandmates in The Chelsea Curve and throughout the bands she's played with over the years, the music communities near and far, and friends and fans around the world who were moved by her songs, her style, and her fierce, joyful spirit.
Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of Linda's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, MA, on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 2-5pm with a Family and Friends Eulogy at 4:30.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Linda's memory may be made to a cancer charity or music organization of your choice.
