Wendy Taylor Linscott

Wendy Taylor Linscott, 74, of Egremont, died of complications from cancer on April 19 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. An attorney and passionate local community activist, Wendy had practiced law in Great Barrington since 1980 with her late husband, James McGrew Lamme III. Together they owned and operated the law firm of Lamme & Linscott.

Born in New York City on June 4, 1947, Wendy was the daughter of the late Lucy Ann Goodlatte Linscott and Roger Bourne Linscott, who was a long-time editor of the Berkshire Eagle and winner of the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing.

Wendy grew up in Richmond and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. She went on to graduate with honors from Wellesley College in 1969. Having met in Boston, Wendy married Jim in 1971 at Wheatleigh in Lenox and then headed west to Boulder, CO, where Jim attended law school. There, Wendy developed a deep love and appreciation for the Southwest and began her lifelong collection of Native American art and turquoise jewelry.

As much as Wendy and Jim both loved the Southwest, home was in the Berkshires and they settled back East in 1974. Wendy earned her Juris Doctorate in 1979 from the University of Connecticut Law School and joined Jim at his practice in Great Barrington. They made an exceptional team and remained law partners until Jim’s death in 2021. Wendy continued to run the practice and serve her clients until her death.

Endlessly generous with her time and intellect, Wendy loved small-town country life and was passionate about serving her community. In addition to pro-bono work for local nonprofits, she served as a trustee of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire Botanical Garden, and the Egremont Land Trust. She also served on a number of boards including Community Health Programs, Egremont Planning Board, Edith Wharton Restoration, Berkshire Choral Festival, Southern Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association, Berkshire County Wellesley Club, The Lenox Club, and the Berkshire Eagle Advisory Board.

Wendy was a fiercely devoted family member and friend. She always saw the positive side of life and could be relied upon for her witty sense of humor and her unvarnished and thoughtful advice. On weekends, she could be found poking around the Berkshire back roads with Jim in his old orange Jeep or kicking up her heels with her gal pals. A fabulous hostess, Wendy loved entertaining and had an impeccable eye for style. She was known for her incredible Christmas collection, which included over 90 crèches from around the world, and was a voracious reader with a soft spot for children’s literature.

Wendy is survived by her daughter, Taylor Linscott Lamme, two sisters, Victoria and Rebecca Linscott, and seven nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband and a sister, Judith Linscott.

SERVICES – A memorial service will be held this summer, with plans forthcoming. Donations in Wendy’s name can be made to the John S Watson Fund, Construct Inc, and the Elizabeth Freeman Center in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA, 01230. To send remembrances to the family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com