Linda Jean (Gerlach) Newby, age 66, of Bethel, CT died Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Danbury Hospital. She was the wife of Leonard P. Newby.

She was born in Port Chester, NY, May 20, 1950 daughter of Virginia M. (Doscher) Nardiello of Fishkill, NY, and the late Ralph B. Gerlach.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by sisters: Barbara Meeks of Jensen Beach, FL; Deborah Gerlach of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Meg Goodrich, with her husband, John, of Fishkill, NY.  She is also survived by her nephews: Jim Murray, Glenn Murray, David Meeks, Jeff Vachna, Kyle Vachna, John Vachna, Jr and (predeceased by) Daryl Vachna, along with her niece Nikki Gray and 7 grandnephews and one grandniece.

Linda was a 1968 graduate of Port Chester High School and served four years in the US Air Force where she received several commendations.  She worked as a parent aide/child advocate in Danbury for over 10 years and was a former member of the Danbury Symphony and the Waterbury Police Pipe & Drum.  Linda was a loving, kind-hearted and generous soul who was loved dearly by her family, who she loved with all her heart.  Her sense of adventure, humor and quick wit made her the favorite aunt of her nephews and nieces.  Linda was a talented musician having mastered the flute, piccolo, piano, guitar, recorder and was well on her way with the bagpipes; the banjo being next on her list. She leaves a huge physical void within the family, but our memories with her will sustain for our lifetimes, with both laughter & tears.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.

The family will receive friends at the Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division St., Danbury Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 with words of remembrance beginning at 8:00.

 Service Information