Linda Louise Sparkman passed away on January 16, 2024, after a long and brave battle with chronic kidney disease. She was born in Victoria, Texas on January 17, 1949 to the late R. T. Sparkman, Sr. and Louise Susan (Chamrad) Sparkman. Linda attended Nazareth Academy in Victoria, Texas (Class of 1966) where she excelled in academics and student organizations. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (Speech Therapy/Elementary Education, May 1971) and a Master of Education in Special Education (Speech Pathology, August 1972) from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.
During her long and successful career as a speech pathologist in San Antonio and Victoria, Linda’s therapy improved the lives of countless clients, many of which must have also benefited from her loving nature and enthusiastic personality. Linda was an accomplished pianist and a master gardener. Her love of nature was most evidently displayed by her lifelong, unwavering vocation of caring for animals, especially cats.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Philip Louis Sparkman; and many aunts and uncles, her most beloved of which were Annie Catherine (Chamrad) Krauskopf, Georgia Marie (Chamrad) Weaver, and Leona Anne Chamrad. She is survived by her brother, Robert T. (“Sparky”) Sparkman, Jr.; sister-in-law, Barbara Powell Sparkman; her nephew, Robert T. (“Trey”) Sparkman III (Ingra); her nephew, Andrew Gordon Sparkman; her niece, Emily Sparkman Studer (Brandon); her “favorite” cousin, Randy Chamrad (Brenda); her goddaughter, Brandy Chamrad Cavazos (Dominic); and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Colonial Funeral Home in Victoria, Texas.
Funeral Services for Linda Louise Sparkman will be held at 10:00 am on January 24, 2024, at Colonial Funeral Home, due to weather, interment will be held at a later date. Serving as pallbearers: Randy Chamrad, Richard Chamrad, Erasmo Garcia, Robert T. Sparkman III, Brendon Sparkman, and Brandon Studer.
Linda’s family extends their special thanks to the following people who provided Linda with exceptional care, love and support over the years: Erasmo Garcia, Randy & Brenda Chamrad, Deanna Jacob, Gulshan Minocha, M.D., Denise Fielder, and the rest of Dr. Minocha’s staff.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Linda’s memory to Nazareth Academy or the American Kidney Fund.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
