Linda Kay Braithwaite traveled home to her Father in Heaven on December 18, 2010. In spite of a long struggle with cancer, Linda truly fulfilled her goal of living every day to its fullest. She has devoted her life to the service of others. Linda had a great passion for learning and experiencing all that life had to offer. She tuned pianos, taught blind people how to use power tools, traveled the world, even climbing the Great Wall of China alone with her white cane. She worked for the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Library of Congress Braille Development Section, and the Multi-State University Consortium for Vision. After retiring, she opened her own business, BZ Training and Consulting, continuing her service to the blind. Linda filled her life with volunteer activities, such a serving as an officer for Utah Council of the Blind, Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, and UCB Credit Union; and mentoring young blind people and musicians. Linda saw beauty in everything around her as exemplified in her love of music and the arts. She contributed to the musical culture of Utah. She was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 20 years and, more recently, the Utah Symphony Chorus. She shared her voice through recitals in the Temple Square Concert Series and at other venues throughout Utah and the United States. Linda was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served for two years in the Kentucky-Tennessee Mission, as a volunteer at the Salt Lake Temple, and in various capacities in her ward, including ward organist and gospel doctrine teacher. During her life, she received many prestigious awards, including the Ruth Craig Meritorious Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Blind and Visually Impaired; the Albert Talmage Award, the Utah Council of the Blind's highest award for a lifetime of service to the blind; the "Best of the Best", and other awards from the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. Linda was born October 27, 1947 in Los Angeles, California, to Reva and Frank Parenzin, and later adopted by Jack H. Braithwaite. She is survived by her father, Jack H. Braithwaite; her brother, Dennis A. Braithwaite (Jeanene); nephew, Brent J. Braithwaite; niece, LaRee Mason (Dallin); grandnieces, Miel and Zoe; and grandnephew, Bodhan Mason. She was preceded in death by her mother, Reva Braithwaite; niece, Heidi Braithwaite; and grandniece, Alyssa. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23, at the Salt Lake Stake Center, 142 West 200 North, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may call Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah and one hour prior to services at the Salt Lake Stake Center. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.
Published in the Deseret News from December 21 to December 22, 2010.