Linda M. Brundage, 72

Belfast, NY – Linda M. Brundage, 72, of Belfast passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 in her home after a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born in Binghamton, on November 25, 1949 the daughter of the late Mildred L. Sherwood, and was adopted by her grandparents – Louis T. and Leona (Johnson) Sherwood. 

She was lovingly raised by her grandparents in Hallstead, PA. She was a graduate of Blue Ridge High School of Montrose, PA. Linda excelled in music and track. It was during her high school years that she was a member of the Castlemen Drum and Bugle Corp., whose annual reunions she eagerly attended until Covid but them on hold. Linda moved to Allegany Count to marry her former husband, William Brundage of Wellsville, with whom she had three children. Prior to the birth of her children, she worked in various area nursing homes, then she took several years off to be a stay-at-home wife and mother. 

In 1995 Linda graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in Medical Records. She then went to work for the Allegany County DPW Building and Grounds Department, retiring in 2006. 

Linda enjoyed a full life of adventure. Her hobbies included travel, camping, genealogy, and theater. She was a member of the World & NYS Atlatl Associations, Society for Creative Anachronism, and a forever member of the Players of Allegany County. With each membership, she held many board and administrative positions. She loved animals and never met a unique pet that she didn’t bring home. Her menagerie included: pythons, goats, chickens, one cow, her beloved St. Bernards, and many cats. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed playing practical jokes on unsuspecting family and friends. She delighted in creating haunted houses every Halloween when her children were young, engaging Trick-or-Treaters for a laugh or a quick fright. Although she never believed herself to be artistic, she was in fact a very creative soul who loved sewing, painting, crafts, and writing hilarious short stories about life on her small hobby farm. 

Linda is survived by: her children, Jennifer (Michael) Maisonet of Belmont, Karen (Brian and Deja Newman) Finnemore, and Donald Brundage, both of Wellsville; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Kajun Burdick) Hint, Mackenzie Brundage, Keagan Gerber, SkyAnne Carpenter, Gracey Brundage, and Adam Brudage. She was also blessed with two “Bonus” grandchildren, Richard (Tricia) Neal, and Kitiara Newman, who she lovingly accepted as part of her brood. Her greatest enjoyment came from her five great-grandchildren: Emmett Cole, Norva Cole, Jaelynn Michael, Matthew Michael, and Colson Burdick. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: Brenda Wolvebr, Trudy Dahm, Cindy Page, June Page, Charles Page, Clayton Page, and James Page; her best friend from childhood, Richard (Jane) Osterhaut of Austin, TX; and many cousins of whom she was very close to. Linda’s children especially want to thank neighbors Paul and Tamee Bartock and Dawn and Sue Patanella for taking such good care of her when her children were unavailable. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a brother, Ray Pearsall, and her partner of 28 years, Gregory F. Bessette. 

Due to Covid-19, the family has opted to postpone a funeral service until a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County or to an animal rescue of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.