Linda Santucci

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

John 11:25-26

Linda Marie Santucci, dear wife, mother, grandma, and beloved friend to many passed away on September 2, 2022 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Linda was born on November 14, 1960 to her parents, Robert and Elaine Putz, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She was the youngest of two daughters and eight cousins. She attended St. Paul’s through first grade, West Brook Elementary from second grade on, Lincoln Junior High, Forest View High School, and Elmhurst College. During school, Linda played the flute and enjoyed traveling with her parents and sister, Cheryl, on many trips to a variety of lakes and Disney World. Linda loved Disney all throughout her life.

At Elmhurst, Linda met her roommate and lifelong friend, Holly, who introduced Linda to the love of her life, Larry. Larry always thought Linda was sweet and funny and she filled their home with joy, light, and love. Linda was always smiling and laughing, the life of the party in the best of ways. She was a wonderful companion to Larry and made life beautiful.

Linda and Larry married on June 23, 1990 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Their first child, Nicholas, followed on March 25, 1991, and daughter, Natalie, on July 6, 1993. She was thrilled to become a grandma of Natalie’s baby, Ella, who will arrive into the world in October.

Linda was a devoted mother who put her kids first always. Her favorite color was pink and her nails were always painted pink. She enjoyed walking, hiking, cooking, baking, reading novels (she was a member of Reese Witherspoon’s book club), live music, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a collector of teacups, candles, and dolphin figurines, and loved to spoil her dog Louie and granddog Moose with treats galore. She planned every family vacation; her favorite destination was San Diego, California and Hotel Del Coronado. Faith in God and Jesus Christ played an important part of Linda’s life and she was confirmed in the Lutheran Church.

Linda was also a very dedicated professional. In her early life, Linda worked in the finance department for a large corporation in Chicago and Minneapolis. During her life in Colorado, Linda was a stay-at-home mom for many years with her two children before returning to the workforce as a paraprofessional for Jefferson County Public Schools for 10 years. At the schools, her outgoing personality and warmth touched the lives of staff and students alike. After retiring from the schools, Linda spent another decade working as an office manager for Wodek Systems Inc. Linda instilled the value of hard work and commitment to her children throughout their lives.

Linda is survived by her husband, Larry, children Nicholas and Natalie, son-in-law Adam, granddaughter Ella, sister Cheryl, and Cheryl’s family (husband Jerry and children Nicole and Kyle). She is also survived by several other of Larry’s siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many amazing friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service for Linda will be held at Horan and McConaty on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. Horan and McConaty is located at 7577 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003.

We kindly ask that everyone brings a written memory of Linda. We will be compiling the stories into a book for Linda’s grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Linda’s name to the Thymic Carcinoma Center (https://www.thymiccarcinomacenter.com/take-action).

Finally, we are planning celebrations of life for Linda that we will hold in November 2022 in the Denver area and early 2023 in the Chicago area. More details will follow.