Constance Bernadette Linder

Constance Bernadette Linder, 89, of Hampstead, MD peacefully passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Golden Crest Evergreen Assisted Living in Hampstead, MD.

Born on January 13, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frank J. Casper and Viola Stoltman Casper.

In 1967, Constance (Connie) after seeing an ad for land for sale in NM asked her husband Ed to go to a meeting to get more details. After a few more information sessions they were hooked, loaded up their five children, left Milwaukee and moved to Albuquerque, NM. They loved the milder climate, the diverse cultures and the rugged beauty there. In 2019, to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren, she moved to Hampstead, MD. Connie was always very bright and animated. She was the first person in her family to get a college degree. She graduated in 1955 from Alverno College in Milwaukee with a Bachelor's of Science in Early Education. In that same year, she became a kindergarten teacher. She loved the satisfaction of watching children learn to read, write, create and do arithmetic. In1956, she married the love of her life, Ed Linder. Once she began having children and then grandchildren, she focused her creative energies into them. She inspired them to explore the arts, sciences and sports. And put the energy into getting them to rehearsals, practices and more. But the most important thing to her besides her children and grandchildren, was her faith. She was a devout Catholic who loved and served Jesus all the days of her life. She served in many ministries at her parish and was a strong prayer warrior to the end. Connie was always the first to volunteer to help wherever it was needed. She loved traveling with her sons, riding in hot air balloons, gardening, cats, Bible studies, learning, crossword puzzles and cryptograms. The theater and acting were something she really enjoyed throughout her life. She wanted to be an actress and was able to get parts as extras in films that were being shot locally. She loved the opera and enjoyed being a member of the Santa Fe Opera Guild and many other organizations. She loved life and squeezed every moment she could out of it. She had a bucket list well into her 80's filled with many more life adventures to be had. Smiles and laughter were her friends and she always had an optimistic attitude despite the many hardships in her life. Although Connie and Ed divorced in 1986 they loved one another and remained lifelong friends.  Connie never gave up hope that they would get back together again.  She was very proud of her Polish heritage and loved being Busha to her grandchildren. Family was everything to her and she loved them well.

Connie leaves behind her children EJ, Nathan and Gregory of Albuquerque, NM and a daughter Maribeth (Christopher) Boyle of Hampstead, MD. Son-in-law Mark (Rhoda) Bowman of Virginia. Grandchildren Shanna (Emily) Bowman, Joshua Bowman, Geoff (Rebecca) Bowman, John Mark (Rose) Bowman, Rebekah (Kiffin) Irwin, Joseph (Mary) Bowman, Noah (Cecilia) Otero-Boyle, Simeon Boyle, Josiah (Kathryn) Boyle, Joel Boyle, Caleb Boyle, Elizabeth (Dominc) Hartman, Ellery Linder. Great Grandchildren Viola Hartman, Wyatt Graham, Evan Graham and Finn Bowman. Nephews Mark (Sue) Casper, Dean (Liz) Casper and Dale Casper. Nieces Debra (Bob) Suwyn, Mary Ann (Bernie) Rustler and Gail Casper

She was pre-deceased by a daughter Lorena Lee Bowman and a brother Ervin Casper and Ex- husband Edward John Linder Jr

Special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Golden Crest (Evergreen) and Bridging Life Hospice who took such amazing care of Connie. We are forever grateful.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 2nd from 2 - 4 pm at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD 21102 with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alpha Pregnancy Center 301 Main Street, Suite 1B Reisterstown, MD 21136 https://alpha-pregnancycenter.org/