Linda Ann

Spanburgh

Linda Ann Spanburgh

Loving Wife, Mother, Teacher, and Friend

Linda Ann Spanburgh, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished friend, and beloved teacher, passed away on November 2, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. After a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Linda is now at peace and reunited with her beloved husband of 63 years, John, who passed away just three weeks earlier.

Linda was born on October 1, 1943, in Gloversville, New York. A granddaughter to immigrants who worked in the glove making factories the city was named for.The daughter of Edward and Gwendolyn Rostron and sister of David Rostron of Albany, NY.

Linda was the loving mother of five children: John; Michael and his wife, Pam, and their sons, Zach and Ryan; Susan and her husband, Greg, and her children, Jack and Mattie; Patti and her fiancé, Robert, and her son, Dylan; and Mary and her husband, Patrick, and their daughters, Clara and Annie.

Linda's love story with John began when she was a sophomore in high school. A homeroom friend set her up on a blind date with a senior boy she knew at a neighboring high school. Her yearbook described her as "cute, comely and shy," a fitting glimpse of her gentle spirit. One friend foretold in her yearbook, “Always keep that sweet wonderful personality, and may you and John stay together forever”. And they did.

Before graduating high school she applied to Oswego State College in NY after encouragement from a high school guidance counselor who recognized Linda was hesitant to apply, unsure her family could afford tuition. That extra effort by her guidance counselor gave Linda a future, and that gift then passed on in her own classroom where she was known for recognizing unique qualities and potential in her own students.

She married John in 1963, finished college, and became a 2nd grade teacher. Their marriage was a true partnership of love, humor, integrity and faith.

After 6 years of marriage, Linda stepped away from teaching to grow her family and raise their five children with her selfless style that was quiet, but powerful. She led by example, instilling in her children values like integrity in your actions and words, and to put forth positive energy into whatever you want to accomplish. Linda taught her children to love, and how to be loved. Beyond just listening, baking cookies, sports practices, making costumes, family dinner, homework help, a shoulder to cry on, and having a husband who worked long hours, it is rather remarkable how she handled it all being present and patient. She had a passion for anything she did and a quiet composure that let you know she could handle whatever comes underneath her sweet smiling exterior.

John and Linda had a shared determination to provide their five children with the opportunity for a college education. Having both benefited from extraordinary circumstances that made their own education possible, they understood the lasting impact of such a gift. Together, they worked tirelessly to provide that same opportunity for their children.

When her youngest child entered third grade, Linda returned to the classroom as a second-grade teacher. Her days were full, yet somehow she always found a way to give more. After juggling sports carpools, helping with homework, and preparing family dinners, she often worked late into the night creating artwork, imaginative displays, and special projects for her students. She approached teaching not simply as a profession, but as an opportunity to make every child feel valued.

As a teacher she was creative and fun. She secretly dressed up as a fairy godmother with a magic wand to surprise her students during the year, and held rainforest and beach-themed celebrations to make learning fun. A passionate teacher who made each student feel extraordinary by recognizing them as a "special person" during the school year. She could be found creating projects and artwork for her lessons in the dining room, or grading papers at her desk into the evening hours.

Her creativity, devotion, and genuine love for children earned her the distinction of Teacher of the Year at Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Fayetteville, New York. Yet Linda, in her characteristic humility, always downplayed her influence and believed there was more she could do.

After 18 years of teaching second grade at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, the yearbook was dedicated to her . "Thank you Mrs. Spanburgh for your kindness and love. We will miss you!"

A tribute to a woman whose influence left an indelible mark in the hearts of all she met, taught, and loved.

Although John was a well-known local business owner, he often joked that Linda was the real celebrity in town. Wherever they went, former students and parents would stop to greet the teacher they adored.

In retirement, Linda and John enjoyed traveling across the United States and to destinations around the world. She continued playing tennis, a sport she loved throughout much of her adult life. Yet no matter where their travels took them, Linda’s priority was spending meaningful time with each of her children and grandchildren and baking chocolate chip cookies with them. Being present in their lives was always one of her greatest joys.

Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She was devoted to Immaculate Conception Church and generously gave her time as a volunteer at the Samaritan Center, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Linda was recently featured in a local article recognizing her life and contributions: "She touched countless lives."

And she did.

Her legacy of giving is recognized by her children, the grandchildren she cherished, the students she inspired, and the countless lives made better for having known her. She taught through her actions, loved without condition, and lived according to the values she held dear.

Her husband John was so proud of her, as were her children, who take her heart and memories with them, and believe she is at peace reunited in eternity with her husband.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life service honoring Linda will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The service will be livestreamed and available through the funeral home's website:

Palmetto Funeral Group

In Lieu of Flowers

The family welcomes memorial donations in Linda's name to organizations that reflect her compassion, faith, and commitment to helping others:

• Lewy Body Dementia: Lewy Body Dementia

• Samaritan Center: Samaritan Center 

• VIA Giving:VIA Giving