Linda Ann Phillips had a special way of making memories for those she loved. Growing up, her sons fondly recall vividly living on “The Farm” in Michigan: riding horses; raising sheep and steers for the county fair; snowmobiling in the winter; and riding tractors in the summer. As families grew, her granddaughters and grandsons remember summers of golf, swimming, tennis at Stone Oak, cookies ready in the fridge, the smell of bacon in the morning, visits to the condo in Marathon with coloring contests at the Island and cooking fish caught at the pier together. She recorded in her own voice a Christmas story for the youngest grandkids who were not reading yet. And, Linda’s thoughtfulness went beyond the immediate, as she had the foresight to bequeathe a gift to a soon to be born grandson to allow him the opportunity to get ahead in life.

Linda was remarkable for her quiet strength and determination. She battled rheumatoid arthritis for more than 50 years and then PSP for five. She never complained while she adapted to the limitations of the diseases. She appreciated CurePSP for all of the avenues of help they offered:  the Southwest Florida Support Group, the Center of Care at the University of South Florida and the chance to make a difference through the Annual Walk on Marco Island. She donated every month to find a cure and participated in a clinical trial which gave her three very good months; a real blessing. She was also very proud that her grandson will be running in the New York Marathon for CurePSP.

Friends were very important to Linda. Her legacy and memory will live on through her family and friends. They continue to remember her famous dinner parties, her lavish Christmas decorations, her hospitality at her condo in Marathon or her world trips with her husband Jack. Even as her PSP symptoms progressed, Linda always seemed to summon the strength to make the most of time spent with loved ones.

Everyone who knew Linda saw the special connection that she had with Jack. They found each other after suffering tragedies, renewing a spark to live life to its fullest. After Linda’s diagnosis, Jack committed himself to be the best care partner that he could be for her and to do all he could to help find a cure.

Linda’s strength and determination was an inspiration during her battle with PSP. She trained with her physical therapist for a month to be able to walk up three flights to see her granddaughter’s NYC flat. She even let her grandson lift her onto the fishing boat, because she didn’t want to miss the opportunity. With her caregivers, nurses, therapists and doctors, she would always try to walk or eat or talk even when it was nearly impossible.

While it has been difficult to live without Linda’s spark and positive attitude, her family and friends take comfort in knowing that her loving spirit will live in their hearts forever. They think about her radiant smile, infectious laugh and generous personality.

“We’re lucky to have our angel Linda here with us all the time and we love her to the moon!”