Linda B. Couch

Linda B. Couch, age 75, of Mentor, formerly of Euclid, passed away December 15, 2018 at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland after a long, spirited battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born May 29, 1943 in Cleveland, the youngest child of Rudolf & Theresa (Kehrig) Berger, both first generation German-Americans who came through Ellis Island in the 1920s only to meet and start a family in Cleveland. Linda attended Bowling Green State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, a membership she happily continued for years after graduation. A proud Catholic, she was a fixture at weekly mass at St. Paul in Euclid before moving to Mentor in 1977 where she was a parishioner of St. Gabriel in Concord Twp. for more than forty years. Her first job was secretary to the treasurer at Parker Hannifin, but she later served as athletic secretary and secretary to the Headmaster at University School from 1983 until 2007. She was proud of her work at University School and enjoyed her time there, but was proudest and happiest in her role as wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, Grammy, friend, room mother, neighbor, and - most of all - mom. Linda loved to play the piano, especially with her sister and for her family around the holidays. She dabbled in various creative talents, including knitting and ceramics, and she was always interested in trying new things. She especially loved tradition and was a trusted keeper of family rituals, even - and maybe especially - the silly ones. She also was a keeper of family lore, proud of her German heritage and extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who happened to fall into the fold. She was a fun lady. Linda took forever to say goodbye at family parties - be careful not to be in the car too early, you might be waiting awhile. As was her style, Linda’s goodbye due to Parkinson’s was also extended. It robbed her of her abilities in later years, but never her spirit - she was a fighter. Survivors are her heroic caregiver and devoted husband of 51 years, Fred Couch; proud sons, Steve (Melissa), Chris (Kelly), Dave; admiring grandchildren, Mallory, Casey, Olivia, Ella, Sydney, Hayden, and Rachel Couch; and her devoted brother, Norman (Patty) Berger. Linda was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Couch; parents, Rudolf and Theresa Berger; and her sister, Peggy Buerkel. The family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor. A time of remembering and sharing to close visitation will occur at 6:45 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. A memorial mass in memory of Linda will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp. A reception following the mass will be held in the gathering center at the church. When asked how she was feeling, Linda always said “peachy.” Therefore, many family members will accessorize with peach for the funeral, and all who knew and loved her are welcome to join us in this tribute. Private family inurnment will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon in the spring with her parents and daughter when the flowers are blooming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s name to the heroes at Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St. in Cleveland, 44119. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Linda B. Couch

May 29, 1943 - December 15, 2018