Linda Berke Obituary

Linda B. Berke

July 15, 1939 - July 20, 2025

Linda B. Berke, age 86, of Prescott, Ariz., passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of her family and friends.

Born in Pittsfield, Mass. on July 15, 1939, to Harold and Evelyn Brafman, Linda grew up in North Adams, Mass. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Berke Hall (David) of Prescott Valley, Ariz. and Amy Berke Fanshawe (Frank) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; and her grandsons, Nicholas J. Brady of Syracuse, N.Y. and Kyle M. Brady of Boston, Mass.

Linda raised her family in Granville, N.Y. with her former husband, Judge Philip A. Berke of Granville, N.Y., and then moved to Arizona, where she enjoyed living in the warmer climate near her mother and father in Tucson, Ariz. While in Tucson, Linda loved her work as a Director for the Admissions Office, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, as she truly loved helping and encouraging aspiring doctors. Linda took great pride in her work with the university, and loved sharing stories about the many graduates who expressed their gratitude for her compassionate guidance throughout the admissions process.

As a proud alumna of Skidmore College, Linda served in a variety of roles to support Skidmore's advancement and outreach initiatives. Over the years, she loved returning to campus for alumni events. Linda also enjoyed volunteering in the broader community. As a breast cancer survivor, the volunteer experience that brought Linda the greatest joy was her work at the Arizona Cancer Center, where she supported and comforted women in their breast cancer healing journeys.

Linda greatly enjoyed being outdoors, which led to her passion for both gardening and playing golf. One of her proudest golf achievements was winning the women's club championship at Lake St. Catherine Country Club in Poultney, Vt.

A devoted mother, grandmother and friend to many, Linda could always be found engaging others with her bright smile and warm personality. Her love, laughter, and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soulistic Hospice, PO Box 1990, Tubac, AZ 85646 or online at Soulistichospice.org.