I can't believe it's been a year already. I miss you friend.

Married on April 14, 1973 makes today,  April 14, 2020, our 47th Wedding Anniversary.  

Most everyone knows how we met over fifty years ago.  At that time, I was unaware that one day the Lord would send someone into my life.  

One of our favorite country songs  fits with the two of us so well I wanted to share the lyrics here.


“The Keeper of the Stars”  by Tracy Byrd

It was no accident me finding you 
Someone had a hand in it 
Long before we ever knew 
Now I just can't believe you're in my life 
Heaven's smilin' down on me 
As I look at you tonight 

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars 
He sure knew what he was doin' 
When he joined these two hearts 
I hold everything 
When I hold you in my arms 
I've got all I'll ever need 
Thanks to the keeper of the stars 

Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine 
It takes my breath away 
Just to look into your eyes 
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you 
There really are no words 
To show my gratitude 

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars 
He sure knew what he was doin' 
When he joined these two hearts 
I hold everything 
When I hold you in my arms 
I've got all I'll ever need 
Thanks to the keeper of the stars 

It was no accident me finding you 
Someone had a hand in it 
Long before we ever knew


We were convinced that the Lord had everything to do with us meeting and being together for more than half a century.  

On that day, I knew that I would love, honor and care for her the rest of her life.

I suggest that everyone listen to this song on YouTube and make it yours, too.

I Wanted You For Life
You And Me 
In The Wind
I Never Thought There Come A Time
That Our Story Would End
It's Hard To Understand
But I Guess I'll Have To Try
It's Not Easy
To Say... Goodbye.

For All The Joy We Shared
All That Time We Had To Spend
Now If I Had One Wish
I'd Want Forever Back Again
To Look Into Your Eyes
And Hold You When You Cry
It's Not Easy
To Say...Goodbye

I Remember All Those Great Times We Had
There Were So Many Memories, 
Some Good Some Bad
Yes And Through It All
Those Memories Will Last... 
Forever...

There's Peace In Where You Are
Maybe All I Need To Know
And If I Listen To My Heart
I'll Hear Your Laughter Once More
And So I Got To Say..
I'm Just Glad You Came My Way...
It's Not Easy To Say... 
Goodbye
Goodbye......

       lyrics of the song        Goodbye        by  Lionel Richie

Linda was like a sister to me, I loved her so much. I meet Linda when Steve wanted to join Cub Scouts and they needed a leader. I begrudgingly said I’d do it and Linda came up to me and volunteered to be my assistant. Since then, our families have become family. From going on vacations together and sharing meals around family tables as well as many restaurant tables, Linda loved eating out, we became close. I loved going to Special Olympics events and cheering on Brian and his team with Linda. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried and we’ve laughed so hard we cried. I’ll miss you my dear! Dave, Mike and Brian, you’ll always be family to us. Love you guys! Denise and Herb 

Linda was my sister and my best friend.  We were alike in so many ways.  We found humor in the same things, processed thoughts the same, and could even finish each other’s sentences.  Dave used to call us bookends.  There were nine years difference between Linda and I, but you would never know it.  Quite often, people thought she was the younger one!!

Linda and I shared a lifetime of memories that I will forever hold dear.  From her putting up with me as a very young child to the joys and heartaches we helped each other get through, as adults.  She was a pillar of strength and someone I could always count on.  Linda was a beautiful, kind, caring person that I looked up to all my life.  I always wanted to be just like her.  

Along with her beauty Linda had a fun-loving way of life.  You could always count on Linda to join in any festivities and light up the room with her presence.  She always had a big smile on her face.  Linda's joy was contagious.  When she was around, you couldn’t help but smile with her or share in her laughter.  

Linda often hosted family parties, creating reasons to get our siblings together.  She was the backbone of our extended family and cherished these times together.  Nothing was more important to Linda than family.

Dave, Mike, and Brian were the light of Linda's life.  She was so proud of them and their accomplishments, and rightfully so.  She fostered an amazingly loving family that tenderly cared for her during her illness.  Dave cared for Linda with complete grace and love.  Theirs was a love like no other!

There is a big emptiness without Linda, but our hearts are overflowing with her memories.  I am daily reminded of something she used to say or do, and the memory makes me smile.  My human self has a huge void without her, but her memories warm my heart.  For now, I say goodbye to my dear sweet sister until we are together again in heaven with our Lord and Savior.   I’ll love you forever.

Aunt Linda was beautiful inside and out. I'm so grateful to have had such a wonderful, loving person in my life. I will miss her warmth and humor. A memory I cherish was our niece's day out with her to get our nails done. A good manicure will always make me think of her.

Aunt Linda always found a reason to laugh, which was one of the many things I loved about her. We often laughed about the time I stayed with her and Uncle Dave when my parents were traveling.  I was almost three years old and Aunt Linda would spend time every morning curling my hair, which I loved.  Even though I was small, I know she loved this "girl time," too.  The funny thing was, at that age, I would never let my mom even comb my hair, let alone curl it, but Aunt Linda could do whatever she wanted.  I felt very special standing in front of the mirror watching Aunt Linda curl my hair. I will miss her loving ways and will cherish the memories I have with her forever.

My mom was the best mom in the world.  Mike and I were lucky to have her as our mother.  She was always there when we needed her.  She took care of us when we were young and guided us as we got older.  She was very proud of Mike and I and she loved us with all her heart.  She was always there during all my Special Olympics events to cheer me on.  She was the perfect fan.  I never had to worry about anything with my mom around.  I knew she would watch over me and protect me.  

My mom fought hard so she could be with us as long as she could.  I helped take care of my mom when she was sick.  I was a big help to her when she couldn't do things for herself.  She knew how much we loved her.  I enjoyed this special time together with her.   I miss her so much but know she will never leave me and that she is in heaven watching over me.  

I love you mom and will keep you in my heart forever.

Love,
Brian

YOU ALWAYS WERE THE PERFECT FAN   is at the bottom of Linda's tombstone.      What does that mean?
 
From a song by the Backstreet Boys titled “The Perfect Fan.”  

It was the first song played at the beginning of Linda's service.

                     “Mom you always were the perfect fan”.

YouTube 'The Perfect Fan' to listen to a couple versions.
Backstreet Boys-The Perfect Fan (for Mother's Day) David Deyl
The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys, Nick Carter, Leslie Carter  
       (This version discuses the song's theme in the beginning)

Linda was the perfect fan for Brian and his Special Olympics 
        and also for Mike and his career in radio broadcasting.

                       The three of us picked out those words
                                  as they are most meaningful.

I can’t believe it’s been almost two months since my sweet Aunt Linda stepped into heaven. It still seems weird that she is gone. But I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity God gave me to show her how to have a relationship with Christ many years ago. She loved the song “I Can Only Imagine” and to think she no longer has to imagine what heaven is like. Her funeral was honestly so beautiful and God honoring. The presence of the Lord was truly there. I could feel God’s blessings all around that day. Even though I miss her so much and wish I could text or call her...I am trying to focus on the wonderful things that have happened that day and thereafter. She is having the time of her life in heaven. I can just picture her laughing, and that bright smile with no more pain from cancer. I can’t wait to see her again someday with our Lord.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.


Linda will always be remembered as a well rounded person with a lot of love.  Whatever situation she found herself in, she was always positive.  If it was a party, she was a lively participant, if she worked outside, she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, at a game she cheered on! We think she was everyone's "Biggest Fan!" She will be dearly missed! 

Love, Dale and Sue




My dear friend Linda.  I already miss so much about you.  Our  conversations on my drive to and from Chicago helped make the drive feel shorter.
You had the best sense of humor...always a good laugh when we talked.   Always kind and caring.  Denise, you and I always had the best time no matter why we were doing. 
You will be forever in my heart.   Till we meet again my beautiful friend.

Aunt Linda brought joy to our family in so many ways.  She loved to entertain at family gatherings and always had a story that would make you laugh.  She was kind and compassionate and she loved us all very much.  I remember the many times she would call us to sing happy birthday or "On the road again" while we were on a long road trip.  Making singing phone calls has become a family tradition for us, as well.  These memories are just a small reminder of how deeply she will be missed.

I met Linda thirty-nine years ago through my wife, Colleen.  God called Linda to fulfill so many roles in her life, which she did so well, with love:  Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, friend, neighbor, employee, co-worker, coach, counselor, Christian.  It was my privilege to know her and to meet so many others whose lives she touched with love.

My Aunt Linda was always a warm and positive presence in my life.  She was always very proud of her nieces and nephews, and we could always count on her endless love and support.  Aunt Linda had an infectious laugh, and it was nearly impossible to catch her without a smile on her face, even when things got tough. Our family’s gatherings will not be the same without her.  She will be greatly missed, but we know she is still with us, smiling down on her family and friends who will never forget her. 

Linda was kind and loving.  She never sad anything bad about anyone.  She was strong, her brother said she was his "rock".  Loved her very much.  Yes, he will miss her.   He will carry her in his heart, forever.

My Sister, Linda was my "Rock"... She was always positive about life.  She was a fighter....she also, kept me on my toes.   Of course, I'll miss her.  I  will carry her in my heart  forever.

I’ve been lucky enough to know Linda since I was 13.  I remember Linda, a friend of hers, Colleen and I taking tennis lessons and we always had to stop at Big Boys after for dessert!  One classy lady and she will be missed by so many!  ❤️

Received the news just this morning! It saddened me to hear of this loss. However, I thought of how long she had fought and that she is now at peace. I worked with Linda for almost 18 years and she always carried such a beautiful spirit, a ray of sunshine. Always so encouraging! She celebrated my first granddaughter by coming to her baby shower. I have a beautiful jewelry box that she gave me on my wedding day that I will always cherish ❤️ Rest Well Angel 😇

I will miss you sweet friend and I will see you again . We knew each other from church and at work and I was blessed by your strength and faith. Thank you for sharing Brian with us. We had a special bond with him and Megan.

I was blessed with working closely with Linda for a couple of years. No matter the day she always had a smile on her face and lifted any bad mood I was in. She cared so much for everyone. I loved coming in and updating her on my pregnancy or telling stories about how crazy my oldest son Gavin is. It was an honor and pleasure to work with her and have a genuine friendship. You are so missed and so loved. My thoughts and prayers to the family ❤

We are very sad to hear of the passing of a wonderful friend from High School.    With deep sympathy, thoughts and prayers, we wish her family peace and comfort.


Sending thoughts, prayers and love to you Dave, Michael and Brian. And the rest of the family. So very sorry for your loss.  We all lost touch over the years and I saw her 10 years ago at my mom's memorial service.  She was very easily the kindest person.  She had such a big heart. Love to all.   Love, Stan Masserang,  Sue and Jeff Lawhon and Pam and David Rosiek.  ❤

Linda and I met at Redford High School, and remained friends through life.  We shared so many laughs and good times.  
Linda was the most kindhearted person I have ever known.  I loved your grace, beauty and gentleness. Never a harsh word towards anyone.  You fought the long hard battle with this ugly disease. 
 I will miss you forever my friend.  
Love, Liz

You will be missed Linda, I truly enjoyed knowing and working with you. I'm so glad I got to see you a couple of   years  ago when I just so happened to go the gas station next to the job and was "dragged" over there. You were your charming and happy go lucky self. My prayers go out to your family, RIH Angel 💔💔💖💖

Linda was one of the sweetest and most kindhearted people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know and work with. No matter how she was feeling or what she was going through she always found a way to make me smile. Simply just being herself. Her spirit and strength will truly be missed. I send my thoughts and prayers out to her family. Linda always spoke very highly of her husband and son. I pray that God will hold them close during this time and help them find peace knowing she is no longer in pain. We love you Linda and I know we will laugh together again. Love Derek  

Linda,
     I will truly miss you and hearing about all the wonderful things you and Brian would do over the weekends.  Just know that God makes no mistakes. I Love you and I will miss you here at work.  lots of hugs to you and your wonderful family.  God please hold her husband and Brian tight in your arms.
     love ,
Sabrina 

Linda, you were one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever known. We grew up together (a block away) and went to Holcomb, Emerson and Redford High School together.  It was such a joy to see you annually at Holcomb's Reunion Picnic. God bless you Linda and God bless your family. Much love to you all.

My thoughts and prayers for this family during this time!! I'll always remember her kindness to me, and I'll never attend a Helen Keller festival in Florence, without remembering her ❤🙏🙏

My heart is broken, my dearest Linda  aka as Bubbles a nickname I gave her long ago. You fought a tough battle with such grace and diginity and I admired you and your positive attitude, I will forever miss you and forever be grateful to call you my friend and have you in my life...RIP love you to the moon and back 💔 Prayers to the family and what a blessing Dave, Brian and Mike  you were to her ❤️

Linda and I went to Reford HS together, and later we both worked at Community EMS.  But our bond was formed when our moms passed on the same day.  Linda was one of the loveliest people I've ever known and I'm grateful she was part of my life.  My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

OBITUARY

Linda Cheryl Brandt

July 27, 1950 – February 9, 2020

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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