Linda McBride Colwell, 77, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime filled with love, faith, family, music, service, and a generous spirit that touched many lives.
Linda was born on June 6, 1949, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Paul, Sr. and Carol (Karn) McBride. She attended Tyner High School and was part of the first group of Tyner students to graduate from John Glenn High School in 1967. She went on to attend Manchester College, where she continued to grow her love of music and learning.
On July 6, 1969, Linda married the love of her life, Hulbert Colwell, IV (H.C.). After their marriage, Linda and H.C. lived in Selma, Alabama, while H.C. completed his time in the United States Air Force. They later returned to Indiana, settling in Mishawaka, where they raised their three daughters.
Linda's love of baking began at a young age when she entered a baking contest in LaPorte. It was during that experience that she discovered how much she enjoyed baking. Her talent and love for the kitchen continued to grow, and she later helped her mother with catering jobs. Linda also shared her knowledge and passion for cooking and baking with others, serving as a 4-H Foods Project Superintendent for eight years.
Linda was a gifted pianist and a dedicated piano teacher who shared her love of music with generations of students. In 1985, she and H.C. acquired the Peltz-Colwell Music House in South Bend. With Linda’s business savvy and musical knowledge, the store became a trusted resource for musicians of all ages and abilities. She ran the store with dedication and heart until 1993. She then dedicated 20 years to substitute teaching in the Mishawaka and Concord school districts, as well as at Elkhart Christian Academy.
Linda was a faithful and devoted member of Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, where her service and leadership became an important part of her life. She played the organ and piano for the church and was a strong and dedicated leader in the Women's Fellowship. She worked tirelessly to help the Women's Fellowship grow and flourish, extending its reach into the community through the Christian Women's United group.
Linda's love for her church was expressed through countless acts of service. She organized an annual Women's Fellowship Christmas gathering and hosted the annual church bazaar for many years. She also organized church dinners and funeral meals, always willing to prepare, serve, and care for others during both times of celebration and times of sorrow. Her gifts of hospitality, organization, and compassion brought people together and strengthened the bonds of her church family and community.
Linda had a special gift for making things grow. She loved gardening and had a true green thumb, especially when it came to flowers. Her garden brought her great joy, but she found even greater happiness in sharing that joy with others. She was well known for giving away her plants, helping others start their own gardens, and sharing the beauty she had nurtured with friends, family, and neighbors.
Above all, Linda treasured her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Hulbert Colwell, IV (H.C.); her three daughters, Tina (Don) Riley, Sherry (Mark) Bickel, and Tonya Colwell; her brother, Paul, Jr. (Marcia) McBride; and her cherished grandchildren, Madeline Gruber, Ethan Bickel, and Logan Bickel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul, Sr. and Carol (Karn) McBride, and her in-laws, Vera Hoover and Hulbert Colwell III, and nephew Peter McBride.
Visitation for Linda will be held from 4pm-7pm on Friday October 23, 2026, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday October 24, 2026, at Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, 1342 Brookshire Dr. in South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 9am until the service begins. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.
Linda's life was a beautiful reflection of her love for music, family and faith. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crest Manor Church of the Brethren or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family on the Palmer Funeral Home website at ww.palmerfuneralhomes.com
