Linda Mae Brandt

Linda Mae Brandt, age 79, of Hyde Park, MA passed away on February 11, 2022 with family members by her side.  She was a loving, compassionate and selfless daughter, aunt and friend to many.  Linda was born, grew up and lived throughout greater Boston and graduated at Jamaica Plain High School.

Voted “Most Athletic” by her graduating class, Linda excelled in any sport or activity she participated in including softball, tennis, volleyball and basketball during her youth and throughout her young adult years including leagues with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.  Rumor has it that she even taught one of her nieces how to execute the basketball “half-court hook shot”.  Linda’s shelves at home throughout later years grew to be filled with trophies from her tournaments as an avid “candlepin” bowler.  She also enjoyed time on golf courses with her life-long friend.  Anyone that dared challenge Linda to a Scrabble game or Crossword puzzle quickly learned about her command of the English language.  Linda had her first kayaking adventure with a dear friend at the age of 70.  Age was “just a number”, not to define a person’s abilities or interest, was her motto.  She also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors while they walked by with their dogs in front of her home, memorizing each name and breed, excited for her greeting.  “Now listen” and “over and out” were two of Linda’s favorite phrases, because when she had something to say, she really wanted you to hear it…and when she was done talking to you, she was truly done.  A perfect day for Linda would include an oversized fresh lobster roll and a large bowl of ice cream.  She will be fondly remembered by staff at the local businesses and restaurants, whom always knew when Linda was present, as they were thrilled to be entertained by her vibrant, quirky personality(s) and always left them laughing.

Quick-witted and a consummate entertainer, Linda especially loved to delight children with her Donald Duck impersonations.  She had fun with those that knew her and others about to witness her “special talents”.  Linda would create colorful characters who spoke foreign languages, and would dazzle anyone with her command of Swedish, Italian, German and Chinese.  However, if you attempted to translate to English, what she was actually saying was 100% complete gibberish, but truly convincing characterizations.  Although she was a lifelong Boston Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox fan, she would forego any game for the opportunity to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra, an opera or any live performance.  Any one that had the pleasure of hearing Linda, herself sing opera or whistle a melody, would immediately think that entertainment was her true calling, whose sole purpose it seemed, was to make people smile!

Over the years Linda worked for several Boston companies including First National Bank of Boston, Ogden Food Service, Avondale Industries, Rust Craft Greeting Card Co., and retired as the Payroll and Benefits Manager for Connell Ltd. Partnership.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Gustav R. Brandt and Grace D. (Youngdale) Brandt, sister Barbara G. (Brandt) Sealock, brother Raymond G. Brandt, niece Christina L. Burrows, and loving canine companion Lacey.  Linda is survived by her brother Paul Brandt of Hyde Park, nephew John Bagley, niece Stephanie Burrows of Newton, NH, nephew Darren Sealock of Manchester, NH, niece Robyn Sealock and husband Frank Steinman of Bluffton, SC, loving feline companions Lenny and Squiggy, cousins, extended family, dear friends since childhood, and numerous co-workers/friends throughout Linda’s adult life.  She will be deeply missed and never forgotten as a life-long friend, perfect aunt, caring sister and doting, responsible, selfless daughter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 3:00pm, at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham, MA.  A gathering of family and friends will be held following the service at 4:30pm, at Linda’s favorite local restaurant, Siam Lotus, 1311 Providence Hwy, Norwood, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or organization.