(Mary) Linda Bertrand

Linda Bertrand passed away on September 11, 2017 after a difficult battle with cancer. She was 65 years old.She was born as Mary Linda Reid in Delta, CO on July 1, 1952 to Halbert and Nell (Hanes) Reid. She grew up in Delta but spent many summers with family in California. At about the age of 12 Linda traveled with her mom and aunts to various international locations including Mexico, Egypt, Greece, and Italy. On July 2, 1968, Linda married John Bertrand and the two stayed together for over 30 years. Although they later divorced, Linda and John remained close friends and business partners, operating Jet Strip Furniture Stripping in Boulder and then later in Longmont. Linda had amazing talent restoring all kinds of furniture. Linda was also a longtime dedicated volunteer at the Longmont Humane Society.On January 12, 2002, Linda met Adrian Collier. They fell in love and were married on June 22, 2003 at the Old Mill Park in Longmont, CO. The two had a special relationship and Adrian's love for her is expressed in the following words: Linda was my wife. She was far from perfect, but she was perfect for me. With apologies to Charles Aznavour, ˜She may be the face I can't forget, a taste of pleasure or regret, may be my treasure, or the price I have to pay.' Linda was many things to me, and yes, we had our moments but I loved her and she loved me. When this insipid breast cancer started to take hold and she could no longer walk without the help of a walker or wheelchair, we always made room in the car for these things. She would get herself slowly to the car and I would move the walker in. It was hard on me, but it was harder on her. She got to the point that she simply didn't want to leave the house but would do it anyway. I wanted to take her out. We even had a disastrous vacation in Santa Fe. Moving around was so very difficult, but she tried, she really tried. ˜She may be the song that Summer sings, may be the chill that Autumn brings, may be a hundred different things within the measure of a day.' She became my life. From early in our relationship, I knew that I wanted to be with her. She was strong and yet fragile; independent and yet in need of support; intelligent and yet sometimes childlike. She taught me what love is. She gave more than I gave back, I know that. But I couldn't help but love her. Now she's gone, but I will never forget the impact she had on my life. I was not a perfect husband. I tried her patience at times and sometimes she tried mine. I will miss her in a way that I will never miss another. ˜Me, I'll take her laughter and her tears, and make them all my souvenirs, for where she g s I want to be, the meaning of my life is she, she, she.' ( She by Charles Aznavour).Linda will be remembered for her support and generosity with her children and grandchildren, as well as her sense of humor. She loved to read, knit, garden and travel, and she loved spending time with her family. Linda is survived by her husband, Adrian Collier; her son, Chris Bertrand (Lisa) of Loma, CO; her daughter, Jaime Bertrand Rehder (Robert) of Longmont, CO; grandchildren, Ashlyn Bertrand of Boulder, CO, Kimberly Bertrand of Boulder, CO, Christopher Bertrand of Loma, CO, Jadelyn Rehder of Longmont, CO, and Amelia Rehder of Longmont, CO; her brother, Hal Reid; and her ex-husband and close friend, John Bertrand.No services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences with the family.