Linda Marie Bryan

Linda Marie Bryan, 51, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 24, 2011 embraced by the love of her family and caregivers. She was born in Portland on April 21, 1959. Linda, an outstanding woman born with Downs Syndrome, was an inspiration during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease before surrendering to join her mother in heaven.

Linda touched everyone she met. She loved and was loved by so many people. She was especially proud of her family and would be sure to tell everyone the names of all family members and liked being known as the ‘baby’ of the family. She had a wonderfully playful sense of humor and loved to tease. When someone was down in the dumps she would offer her soothing support and kindness. Nurturing was her nature.

Some of Linda’s many interests included the Special Olympics, vacations (Camp Waban and Camp Tall Pines), her cat Lexi, snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, dancing, swimming and her day program at Creative Work Systems. She expressed her creativity through arts and crafts receiving much recognition for her fine work including numerous awards. She loved music – especially that from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Sound of Music was her favorite DVD from which she derived great pleasure and comfort especially as her illness progressed. She cherished the times spent with her family. We couldn’t have asked for a better sister. The impact of her gentle and joyful spirit will forever be missed but will never be forgotten. The ripple effect of her life continues on.

She lived much of her adult life in group homes operated by Group Mainstream and was a responsible roommate always performing her share of the chores. She enjoyed keeping her room neat and organized. The staff at Group Mainstream was her second family loving her dearly and treating her like a member of their own. Linda’s family can’t nearly express the depth of appreciation to Group Mainstream for their kind support, love and respect. These special people enabled Linda to become the wonderful woman she was. She loved them deeply which was such a comfort to the family.

Linda had several jobs during her working career and was known as dependable and hard working. Through Goodwill industries she worked many years at Lincoln Financial Group collating policies. She was meticulous about doing it correctly. Prior to this she held supported positions at Shaw’s Supermarket, Unum and a local motel.

Linda was predeceased by her mother Virginia (Noyes) Bryan. She is survived by her father Forrest Bryan of Gorham; a sister Maureen Dewitt and her husband Jeff of Durham; brothers Pat and his wife Holly of Scarborough, Mike and his wife Carolyn of Westbrook and Jeff of Portland; eight nieces and nephews; a grandniece and many aunts and uncles.

Relative and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Monday February 28, 2011 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Jones Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street, Portland. There will be a funeral service following the visitation at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Interment will be at Seaview Cemetery in Rockport ME in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda’s memory to Group Mainstream, P.O. Box 1280, Westbrook, ME 04098.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Linda’s guestbook.