SOUTHWICK – Linda B. (Cardwell) Brach, 75, passed away on April 1st, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with lung cancer.
Linda was born on February 18th, 1951, in Northampton, Massachusetts, to the late Francis and Beatrice (Hughes) Cardwell. She attended Northampton High School and went on to graduate from the Western Massachusetts Hospital School of Nursing in 1969, beginning a long and dedicated career in nursing.
Throughout her career, Linda worked at Western Massachusetts Hospital, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, and several subacute and rehabilitation facilities, including Country Estates of Agawam, Heritage Hall South, and Calvin Coolidge. In addition, Linda worked in agency nursing, caring for patients in a variety of settings, and spent time working in many local schools. She also worked for the Board of Health and served as the Southwick Public Health Nurse, where she made a significant impact on the community. She held many roles over the years, including MDS Coordinator and Unit Manager, and spent much of her career working in subacute rehabilitation. During her time at Western Massachusetts Hospital, she cared for patients with complex needs, including those in comas and requiring tracheostomy and ventilator support.
Linda was truly loved by all who knew her. She had a warm, upbeat spirit and was always smiling. She was the kind of nurse who made patients and their families feel comfortable and cared for, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. Linda had a passion for teaching and took pride in mentoring new nurses, serving as a wonderful and patient preceptor.
Outside of her career, Linda was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives, always showing up for school events and holidays. She loved making special treats for classrooms—cupcakes, cakes, and homemade goodies—and brought joy to those around her. She also ran Christmas bazaars, creating memorable experiences for the community and her family.
Linda was an avid crafter and had a passion for creating beautiful handmade items. Crafting brought her joy and allowed her to share her creativity with others.
Linda had a vibrant personality; she was strong, outspoken, and full of life. She was always on the go, embracing each day with energy and enthusiasm.
She loved traveling with her daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons. One of her favorite trips was visiting Montana and Wyoming, where she experienced Yellowstone National Park. She also enjoyed simple traditions like spending Sundays with her daughters, exploring local country stores, and going on little adventures together.
Linda also took great pride in her appearance, always making sure her hair, nails, and outfits were just right.
Linda will be remembered for her kindness, strength, sense of humor, and the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, patients, and colleagues. She will be deeply missed by all who have the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ronald J. Brach; her two children, Patricia Zabik and her husband Justin, and Erica Brach; her brother, John Cardwell and his wife Donna; her sister, Anne Niles; her twin grandsons, Joshua and Sam, whom she cherished deeply and loved with all her heart; and her three beloved furry grandchildren, Molly, Buster, and Muffin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Farooqui and his team at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, especially her three favorite nurses, Stephanie, Marisa, and Cindy, who always made her laugh and showered her with hugs.
Calling hours will take place from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday, April 10th, 2026, at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick. A funeral home service will follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, at Mercy Medical Center, 271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 www.forastiere.com
