Linda "Carol" Brill

Linda “Carol” Brill, 87, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. Born on May 31, 1938, in South Bend, Indiana, Carol lived a life filled with creativity, faith, and deep love for her family and community.

A graduate of Lincoln High School in Canton, Class of 1956, Carol found one of her earliest joys in the marching band. She went on to attend Kent State University before beginning her life as a wife and mother, later completing coursework at The University of Akron to support her career. Carol retired from Harwick Chemical Corporation, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Carol was a woman of many passions. She loved reading—so much so that she kept two Kindles going at once—and found joy in sewing, gardening, and her many church activities. A devoted member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, she was ordained as an Elder and was serving on Session, a role she truly cherished. She also found great happiness playing her B-flat clarinet in the Akron New Horizons Band, sharing music and friendship through their many performances.

Her creativity shined brightest in the love she poured into her family. An accomplished seamstress, Carol made countless quilts and wall hangings, as well as many of her daughter Diane’s clothes. One especially treasured memory was the Christmas she created an entire handmade wardrobe for Diane’s Barbie dolls—making Diane the proud owner of the best-dressed Barbie in Cuyahoga Falls.

Carol was also an avid Anglophile, with a special love for England. She delighted in planning her trips, often covering her dining room table with maps and travel books. On several occasions, she shared those adventures with her daughter, creating lasting memories together. Among her happiest moments was her surprise 80th birthday celebration, where family and friends—some traveling from Florida and even the United Kingdom—gathered to honor her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn Melody and Clifford Gaston Tipp.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughter, Diane Vanek; her son-in-law, Doug Vanek; her grandsons, D.J. Vanek (Nicole) and Andy Vanek (Jessica); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Addie, Logan, Lauren, and Cameron.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, faith, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at 11:00am at Northminster Presbyterian Church with a luncheon to follow in their Fellowship Room.

If you are moved to make a monetary donation in Carol’s name, please consider: Northminster Presbyterian Church 104 W Portage Trail Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 or Akron New Horizons Band c/o The University of Akron School of Music 157 University Ave Akron, OH 44325.