In Memory of Linda Perry(1942 - 2016)

Linda Lee Marchant Perry was born on August 25, 1942 in Alexandria, Virginia. She was the oldest child of Joe Marchant and Marie Campbell and elder sister to Larry Marchant. She was a talented child, known for her love of reading and her acting on the stage. In 1970 she graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Arts.

Growing up in the international community of Washington D.C., she sought ideas and attitudes that brought people together across barriers. She also was seeking to understand God and suffering in a time of political and cultural turmoil. In 1968 she first heard the teachings of the Divine Principle, and felt that this was a teaching with global implications. She joined with other missionaries to pioneer the movement across the United States.

Linda helped to found new churches in Baltimore, Maryland and Las Vegas, Nevada. Due to her media savvy, she also served on Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s public speaking tours as the main public relations officer, combining her skills in the arts and media with her passion for God. Sharing the message of the Divine Principle with its gospel of unity and belief in a personal God was a faith that she could believe in.

She was always ready to work on a new project, go to a new state, or even a new country. Rev. Moon once said of her, “Every time I do something new, Linda Marchant wants to do it with me.” She was humble and fearless, but most of all enthusiastic about living her life with God.

In 1975, Linda received the Marriage Blessing as part of the 1800 couples’ blessing group. Following her Blessing, she began overseas missions to Bogota, Colombia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the end of her overseas missions, she returned to Washington, D.C. to begin her life as a mother. She eventually had three daughters: Limi Marie (Bauer), Maio Lily (Baiocco), and Camia Rose (Gavin). They each received the Marriage Blessing and appreciated her wisdom in their upbringing, always loving God and others in a sincere and consistent way. She was also an adoring grandmother and her grandchildren adored her right back. Whether it was reading Bible stories, singing songs, knitting gifts, or picking out new baby clothes, grand-motherhood was a wish and a joy that she cherished with each child as her family grew.

She continued mission work, leading a witnessing team to spread the word from city to city. Her nurturing heart gave her the capacity to also serve as an Itinerary Worker, helping brothers and sisters to break through with their missions and with their own relationships. Many know her from this time, and attribute life-changing decisions and healing to the guidance she gave them.

She also used her professional skills for God by working in various church organizations. She was the Senior Accountant at World & I Magazine, Senior Accountant for New York City Symphony, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s World magazine, and Secretary General of Women’s Federation for World Peace. Her determination and eye for detail was critical in achieving WFWP’s NGO status, one of the highest granted to NGOs at the United Nations. This is one they still hold today, making it possible for WFWP to continue to reach women globally. Even after retiring from her role there, she was an active member of the organization, praying together with the members every night and doing service projects with them.

She spent her last years on the Florida coast in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Maio and Alexander Baiocco. She was happy until the end and her love was felt and shared throughout her journey.

Mission or not, title or not, she never stopped loving God, people, church and family, which in her mind, were one and the same.

Services for Linda Perry

All are invited to attend.
She hoped to have a very joyful celebration!

VISITATION
Sunday, February 21
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home
3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722

SEONGHWA CEREMONY
Monday, February 22
9:30 – 11:30 am
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home
3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722

WONJEON SERVICE
Monday, February 22
12:00 am
Fort Lincoln Cemetery
3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722

CELEBRATION RECEPTION
Monday, February 22
1:00 pm
Arbor Ballroom, Washington Times Building
3600 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

*Bring your dancing shoes!

Donations can be given at:
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/it-s-linda-s-last-year-let-s-make-it-amazing/347782

Flowers- Deliver on Sunday if possible.
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home
3401 Bladensburg Road
Brentwood, MD 20722

Cards can be sent to:
Maio Perry
122 Via D’Este, apt. 503
Delray Beach, FL 33445