Linda Anne Cryer

Linda Anne (Brooks) Cryer, 77, of Tempe, Arizona, walked west into her last sunset on January 12, 2026.

Born July 20, 1948, to Thomas Joseph Brooks and Anne Veronica Brooks (O’Leary) in Denver, Colorado, Linda grew up in Denver and later graduated from Lincoln High School. She pursued further education before becoming a United Airlines stewardess. Along the way, she met James Michael Cryer on a blind date when she was a guest pom-pom girl at the USAFA/Navy game in 1966. They were married on July 5, 1969.

She became a labor and delivery nurse with the affectionately known “Irish Mafia” at Mesa Lutheran in 1980, received her BSRN from Arizona State University in 1987, and went on to become an L&D icon at Good Samaritan and Desert Samaritan before retiring in 2010.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, and “Nina” with a strong private faith. She was one of a kind and brought joy and comfort to all who knew her through her kind, smiling eyes, easy smile, and playful sense of humor.

She was dedicated to reading, fitness, and travel. She loved her Dad, babies brought her joy, and she adored all animals, especially dogs. Aunt Linda was known for “experimentals”,  “blue milk” and spotlight dances. She might even throw in a headstand or that infamous whistle.

Linda is survived by her husband, James Michael “Mike” Cryer; her children, Nicole Cryer and Michael Cryer; her beloved grandson, Greyson Michael Brooks Cryer; and her nieces and nephews, who were like siblings to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Joseph Brooks and Anne Veronica Brooks (O’Leary); her sisters, Joanie Torsney and Carole Blandino; and her nephew, Georgie Torsney. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Banner Alzheimer’s Institute or Hospice of the Valley.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church February 4, 2026 at 11:00a. 

Reception to follow in Social Hall.