Linda Baptiste

Linda Grandison Baptiste was born on Saturday, March 19, 1932 to the late John and Olive (Viola) Grandison in Glamorgan, Tobago. After the passing of her father, at the tender age of 2 months, Linda, her mother and siblings moved to Trinidad where she grew up. Linda migrated to the United States of America in November of 1968.

Upon arrival in the US, Linda worked as a domestic care taker of children for many years before joining the Housekeeping staff in 1974, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Hospital, located in Manhattan, NY. There she worked as a housekeeping aide and eventually went back to school and obtained her High School Diploma in 1982 at Kingsborough Community College Adult Learning Center. While at Memorial Sloan, she took a Registered Certified Nursing Assistant course and started a new career at the hospital in 1983. Linda retired from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/Hospital in 1989 and relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she continued work as a Registered Certified Nursing Assistant. The love of children and family played an important role in her life; and once again she started to care for children in their homes. She met many wonderful families along the way and they have remained a constant friend to her.

In 1996, Linda rededicated her life back to the Lord. She became a member of New Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was also a Deaconess and sang on the Senior Choir at church. During her life, Linda loved to travel. She cruised the Caribbean seas, visiting numerous islands with family and friends, whereby making lots of wonderful memories. But her love for her country always brought her back to her homeland of Trinidad & Tobago, at Easter time, where she along with her sister Enid, made baskets of personal items and sweet treats for the staff and children at the Lady Hochoy Home for Mental Retardation located in Cocorite, Trinidad.

The home had a special place in her heart, as this is where her daughter, Karen resides. She was able to take that trip one last time in April of 2018, where she distributed personal items and goody bags to the staff and children who were dear to her heart. Linda loved to entertain and during the holiday season, you will find her cooking and spreading joy to all those who stopped by. Linda also baked, and a slice of her carrot cake would make you wanting to return for more. Linda’s health began to fail but the concern, care and love of her devoted granddaughter, Kadria brought her to Orlando, Florida where she was taken care off. Her great grandchildren TJ & Kalyn, also helped their mom with her care. But, as life will have it, her health began to deteriorate and she was admitted to the Bear Lakes Retirement Home in Orlando, Florida.

This was not an easy decision as it came with many doubts and fears. But, God allowed us the family to find a caring and loving facility. Linda was cared for by Marina and staff at the Bear Lakes Retirement Home. Although, she was feisty at times she was loved by all. The staff and their children became attached to her. Where ever she lived children flocked to her and captured her heart. Every one knew her as Gramma, Aunty Lin or Ms. Linda. She had a humorous side, always had a joke or a smart comment to make. But her jokes, made you laugh out loud. She spoke her mind, passed on words of wisdom for those who listened, and gave us great advice about life when asked.

She was a mother, grandmother, aunt, confidant and friend to many. She shared a sisterly bond with both Sylvia “Mama” Manswell and Eileen “Lilla” Alexander for over 40 years. She touched so many lives during her 89 years on earth and we can truly say, that she lived a rich, fulfilling and blessed life. Linda will be truly missed, but the memories will live on…

On Thursday, May 20th, 2021, Linda was called HOME to our Heavenly Father!

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sister-Delris Edmund and her brother-Lloyd Grandison.

She leaves to mourn her Eldest Sister: Enid Joshua of Trinidad, who is a blissful 95 years old.

Children: Carlton Grandison and her daughter-in-law Deanna Grandison of Boston; Angela Baptiste-Jobity of New York, Brian Baptiste of Trinidad; Karen Baptiste of Trinidad & Suzanne Baptiste of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Grandchildren: Cindy Ann Richardson, Kadria Black, Barry ‘Kevin’ Jobity, Jaleesa LaChapelle & David Baptiste, Great Grandchildren: Randall Hannaway, Miranda Hannaway, Tarbaree ‘TJ’ Black II, Kalyn Black, Kameron Jobity & Kamille Jobity and Great Great grandson: Legend Hannaway

Nieces: Jacqueline Edmund Francis & Glenda Joshua Sasu, Nephews: Cephus Joshua, Lennox Joshua & Shakur Joshua and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends too numerous to mention.