Lynda Lee Germond

Everyone remembers their first grade teacher! Teachers are among our most selfless and dedicated professionals. Saturday, March 31st, will be a day to honor teachers and others as the life of Lynda Lee (Barrett) Germond is fondly recalled. Lynda Lee Barrett was born December 9, 1949, to Frances Perry and J. Wilson Barrett. Her Mesa birthplace made her a native of her beloved Arizona. She amazed her family and Hospice nurses by surviving to enjoy Arizona's Centennial. On March 8, she succumbed to cancer. Lynda attended Encanto and Madison Meadows schools, graduating from Central High School's Class of 1968. She graduated from United States International University, Pt. Loma, San Diego, CA, later earning her Masters from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. Following a two-year stint at Old Crane School, Yuma, Lynda graced the Cartwright School District, Phoenix, serving the balance of her 35-year first grade teaching career at Long and Spitalny Schools. She enjoyed fond memories of students and co-teachers over her third-of-a-century Cartwright District Career. She was the much loved product of a truly amazing family. Grandparents Herschel and Juanita Perry came to Tucson from Carthage, IL in the 1930's to farm, enjoying 74 years of marriage! Their three wonderful daughters would include Lynda's mom, Frances Elaine Perry who married James Wilson Barrett in Tucson shortly after his arrival from Paducha, KY. His 45 year civic volunteer and banking career would culminate as Vice Chairman of the Board of historic Valley National Bank of Arizona. Lynda inherited her Dad's professional and her Mom's homemaking work ethics. Her beloved aunts (Frances' sisters) also enjoyed more than half-century marriages, just as Lynda's parents did. They were Ardith and the late Neil Mendenall (Santa Barbara, CA) and Caralee and the late John Cubbage (Springerville). Lynda's older brother James Wilson Barrett (Flagstaff) and younger brother Thomas Perry Barrett (Bainbridge, WA) fondly shared with their sister seven extraordinary cousins of these two families: the Mendenall sisters, the late Pam (Ratzlaff), Nancy (Roman) and Irene Kokotay. Also, the Cubbage Clan, the Reverend Anne, Mark, David and Paul. These cousins and their own wonderful families were all great credits to the aforementioned families. A lifelong Methodist, Lynda's beloved family minister, the Reverend Dr. Richard W. Cain introduced Lynda to Dan Germond at First United Methodist Church of Phoenix. Their first date, June 29, 1973, was followed by their engagement December 29, and marriage June 29, 1974, exactly one year from the first date! Dr. Cain's 13-year stint as President of School of Theology at Claremont kept him near enough to provide a lifetime of quite extraordinary inspiration to the Barrett/Germond Families. Lynda's "second parents", the late Andy and Marge Germond and children Thomas, Edward and Nancy knew instantly their son (brother) was fortunate indeed to marry such a remarkable and beautiful lady. Lynda was very proud of Thomas' children, Andy and Emily, and Edward's daughters, Kiera (Josh) Fleck and Audrey, her four finest imaginable nieces and nephew. The couple felt blessed from both sides as Lynda also shared a great admiration for the extraordinary Pennsylvania Redner and Landrigan Families, Dan's wonderful late aunts, uncles and cousins. Retiring from teaching three years ago, Lynda and Dan greatly enjoyed a range of volunteerism in activities she had inspired and supported for years, albeit "in absentia," her classroom duties always coming first - she virtually never missed! That the untimely three cancers that quite suddenly ravaged her body would deprive her of the last quarter of her life would not suppress her beautiful smile and quite inspiring strength of spirit - and of faith - that lasted through her final days. This was a lady who in her younger years danced ballet, swam, and for the past several years rode her stationary bicycle up to 35 miles each day; hence, she took exceptional care of herself. In true fashion of her selflessness and modesty, Lynda's wish was that her "final party" be a genuine tribute to the people, organizations and projects she felt had blessed her life - helped make her who she was. Hence, services will be held at the favorite charity of Lynda's and both her sets of parents from whom she inherited generosity and a deep caring for those less fortunate; The Salvation Army, Glendale Corps, 6010 W. Northern Avenue. Its roots go back nearly 170 years to London - and the Methodist Church! This will be at 2 pm Saturday, March 31st. Then, to reminisce with dear friends of Lynda's and pay tribute to some organizations she loved, the "party" will move just down the street to Glendale's Knights of Columbus Hall, Northern and 49th Avenue, a symbolic thank you to the Catholic religion that Lynda found so inspiring during her final several months, even predating the cancer. She often remarked "Of all our wonderful friends, I love our many military friends the best." She shared Dan's pride and for their entire marriage supported enthusiastically his U.S. Coast Guard Reserve career, as she did his dual business owner role. The final private family ceremony will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona near Cave Creek to await her at once, heartbroken, but eternally forever grateful husband. In this very special year for her native state, her message to all quite simply would be: Celebrate Arizona and RevereAmerica!

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