Linda Helen Laubscher Gleave

1957-2022

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022 after a long and valiant battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. She was 65 years old. Linda's death leaves a tremendous hole in our hearts.

Linda was born on April 19, 1957 in Washington D.C. to Lawrence and June Laubscher. She had a wonderful childhood where she spent summers with her siblings and cousins at Bergmanville, her beach cottage, on the Chesapeake Bay. Linda was an avid water skier and impressed people well into adulthood with her fearless confidence slaloming behind the boat. At the tender age of eight, Linda lost her mother, June, to breast cancer. A few years later her father wed Mary Schminky who was an incredible support and friend throughout her life. Linda grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and attended Springbrook High School. She was a cheerleader with a spunky personality and was surrounded by a great group of lifelong friends.

When Linda was 19 years old she converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was drawn to the teachings of the church because of their doctrine on forever families. She bravely followed her heart and her testimony and moved across the country alone to attend Brigham Young University where she met her eternal companion, Bart Gleave. They were sealed in the Manti, Utah temple on July 30, 1977. Bart and Linda were blessed with four beautiful children, and Linda found so much joy in being a stay at home mother. She dedicated herself to supporting her kids in dance and athletics, gathering their friends, and always cheering loudly in the stands.

Those who knew Linda couldn't help but fall in love with her open heart and bubbly personality. She had a unique way of instantly making people feel seen and heard. She could draw you in with a story and was never afraid to express an opinion or react without a filter. She had a contagious laugh, a witty sense of humor, and could make any situation fun and exciting. She loved singing around the house and making her kids laugh with silly, made up songs. The early years were magical with traditions, presents, vacations, and happy surprises. There is no doubt she loved being a mom. Linda was a great friend to all, had a caring heart, made time for others, and was always willing to support those in need.

Linda thrived on time with family and extended family, and made it a priority to ensure her children and her siblings' children were making memories as often as possible. Favorites were summer vacations at the beach cottage and Thanksgivings celebrated around the same table. Even though these cousins never lived in the same state, they are close to this day because of her efforts.

Linda was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She found great joy in serving in her many church callings and attending the temple. She spent countless hours doing genealogy and temple work for her ancestors where she found peace and comfort during difficult times.

Linda was always dedicated to the service of others. After losing her sister and her mother to cancer, she was a passionate volunteer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute until her illness prohibited her from continuing.

Eleven years ago, Linda was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia after many years of unexplained symptoms. It was painful to watch her decline so quickly, but we are thankful for the time we had together. When she could no longer speak, she would play the piano when we visited. She loved music, especially primary songs and the songs from Mamma Mia, a movie she watched on repeat. She was always so grateful and happy to see us. Somehow, even without words, she always made her children and grandchildren feel so loved. Family has always been her everything.

As her illness progressed, her family made the decision to move her into the loving care of Latu and Pita Fonua. The Gleave family would like to express their deep gratitude to them for the amazing care they provided their mom over the past seven years. They could not have done it without the Fonuas. Linda loved them like family. 

Linda endured a long, hard battle with patience and humility and was surrounded by peace at the end of her life. We imagine her joy as she once again moves, dances, and sings with a body and mind that are free.

Linda is survived by her four loving children Jennifer (Jeff) Poulton, Richelle (Donnie) Saba, Jordan Gleave, and Taylor Gleave; Bart Gleave; her seven grandchildren Lily, Sophie, Jack, Graciela, Vivian, Wells, and Mia; brothers Larry (Patty) Laubscher, Brian (Renee) Laubscher, brother-in-law John Griffin, stepmother Mary Laubscher and many nieces and nephews who were also the light of her life.

Proceeded in death by her mother, June, father, Larry, and sister, Nancy Griffin.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10 AM at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, with funeral services to follow at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Huntsman Cancer foundation.