Obituary of Fannie Linder

Linder, Fannie R. Endicott: Fannie R. Linder, 78, a former President of the Binghamton University Forum, died on August 8, 2012 in Endicott. She was also a former President of The Hoyt Foundation and served on the boards of UHS, Roberson Museum and Science Center, and Southern Tier Institute for Arts and Education. In March, 2012 Mrs. Linder was named as a Women of Distinction by Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways. She earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Empire State and it was one of her proudest days in 1990 when she walked across the stage at Liberty University at the age of 56 to accept her Masters of Arts Degree. Mrs. Linder went on to receive a Doctorate of Counseling Psychotherapy at age 68 from Hamilton University. Fannie was also a classically trained concert soprano and international stage and recording artist who entertained hundreds of troops and their families in USO shows while outside the United States with her career Army husband, then CWO-3 Raymond Linder. Mrs. Linder also sang to German audiences while singing with indigenous philharmonic orchestras and in churches throughout upstate New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Fannie always found humor at the notion of a black girl from the lower income part of Pittsburgh who took German in high school as a lark would one day stand in front of a German audience and flawlessly sing German lieder - romantic German poems set to music arranged for a single singer and piano. Previously deceased family members include her father,Marion Barnes; mother, Nobie Barnes; sisters Vernell Bacon and Dorothy Akrie; and brother Earl Barnes. She is survived by her husband of 58 years Raymond Linder; sons, Raymond (and wife Christine) in Sterling, Virginia and Michael (and wife Colleen) in Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren, Diandra and Cassandra Linder, and Logan Linder. She always wished her grandchildren lived closer to her. She is also survived by sisters, Juanita Mitchell in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Barbara Cheatham (and brother-in-law, Willie Cheatham) in Aberdeen, Maryland; brother-in-law, Harold Akrie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law, Brenda Barnes in Simi Valley, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Linder's second family was a group of women that called themselves The Organism. The Organism is a Bible study group that began 40 years ago and grew into a unique small group of people committed to taking care of each other through life and others who are in need. The members of The Organism are Frances Krein, Hedi Johnston, Hope Perry, Joan Langil, Lynda Coccia, Nancy King, Barbara Ring, Phyllis Benson, Virginia DeMichei, and Carolyn Nytch. A wake will be held Monday, August 13, 4:00-7:00 at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, Route 434 in Apalachin, New York. A Celebration Service will be held Tuesday, August 14, 1:00 at Memorial Park Baptist Church, 1013 Front Street, Vestal, New York. It is the family's request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to a favorite charity in Fannie Linder's name.