Brenda L. Linthicum

Brenda Lee Linthicum, née Kreke, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on August 2, 1957, in Breese, Illinois, Brenda lived a life centered on faith, family, service, and unconditional love.

Brenda married the love of her life, Jerry Linthicum, on April 15, 1978. Together, they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage, though their love story began much earlier. Through nearly five decades of marriage, Brenda was a devoted wife and partner who lovingly cared for her family and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Brenda retired after more than 30 years as a Mental Health Technician at Murray Center, where she dedicated her career to caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her compassion, patience, and servant's heart made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Known affectionately as "Maw Maw," Brenda's greatest joy was her family. She retired when her twin grandsons, Everett and Kingston, were born so she could help care for them and be present for every milestone. She could always be found wherever her grandsons were—at sporting events, school programs, and family activities. Whether she was baking cookies, playing games, gardening, or simply spending time with them, Maw Maw treasured every moment.

Brenda shared a special bond with her oldest grandson, Brendan. She enjoyed hunting trips with Brendan and Jerry and loved helping Brendan work on his truck. She was the family's mechanic, fixer, and problem-solver. If something was broken, whether it was a car, an appliance, a piece of clothing, or just a difficult situation, Brenda could fix it. Her favorite words during life's challenges were "It'll be alright," and those words brought comfort to everyone who knew her.

Brenda was an exceptionally talented cook and baker whose meals brought family and friends together around the table. She had a true green thumb and loved spending time in her yard tending flowers and vegetable gardens, especially alongside her grandsons. She was a gifted quilter, an avid traveler, and enjoyed hunting with her husband. She was also famous for her love of garage sales and bargain hunting. Nothing made Brenda happier than finding an incredible deal and sharing her treasures with those she loved. She proudly told everyone how little she had paid for her latest find.

A member of St. Matthew's Church in Belleville, Brenda lived her faith through her actions. She welcomed others with kindness, generosity, and a genuine interest in their lives. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel special. Her hugs were legendary, her heart was open to all, and countless family members and friends have shared that Brenda made them feel like they were her favorite.

To her daughter, Kristin, Brenda was more than a mother; she was a best friend. They spoke multiple times each day and spent as much time together as possible. Four years ago, Kristin moved closer to her parents so they could share even more of life's everyday moments together, a gift they both cherished.

Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Linthicum of New Baden; her daughter, Kristin Linthicum-McFarland of O'Fallon; and her beloved grandsons, Brendan, Everett, and Kingston. She is also survived by her sisters, Deborah Schroeder (Claus) of Mobile, Alabama, Sharon Casson (Rick) of Leesburg, Florida, Susan Quitmeyer (Dave) of Trenton, Marsha Maine of Alhambra, Lynn Fuhler (Mike) of Trenton, and sister in law Sue Kreke of LaGrange, Illinois; her brothers-in-law, Stanley Linthicum (Edna) and Randy "Joe" Linthicum; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, extended family members, friends, and neighbors.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ann Kreke; her parents-in-law, Persie and Reba Linthicum; her sister, Cindy Kreke; her brother, Paul Kreke; her sister-in-law, Brenda "Sue" Sutton; her brother-in-law, Donnie Maine; and her nephews, Chad Sutton, Michael Harpe, Randy Linthicum, and niece Alicia Sutton.

Although her family is heartbroken by her loss, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and in the love she so freely gave to everyone around her. Brenda's legacy lives through the family she adored, the lives she touched, and the lessons she taught through her example of kindness, faith, hard work, and unconditional love.

Her family will forever hear her gentle voice reminding them of the words she lived by: "It'll be alright."

Visitation for Brenda will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. Following the visitation, a celebration of Brenda's life will begin at 12:00 PM at the same location.

In honor of Brenda's memory, memorial contributions are suggested for her grandchildren's education fund. Donations can be made payable to Kristin Linthicum-McFarland or to Murray Center Parents Association. Memorials will be gratefully accepted at Nordike Funeral Home, located at 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265.