Linda Mae Gambino

She was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 25th,1947 and moved to the Southport/Oak Island area in 1992 from North White Plains, NY. She was the daughter of the late Edward Ahlstrand and the late Evelyn Delaney Ahlstrand Wharton. She was also the step daughter of the late William R Wharton, Jr. She attended Westbrook College and graduated from The Berkeley College. She worked for many years at Eastman Chemical Products in Manhattan.

She was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband of 50 years, Charles (Chuck) Gambino.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Jill Gambino and also the joys of her life, grandson Alex Charles O'Leary and granddaughter Ana Cynthia O'Leary. She was predeceased by her dear brother, Don Ahlstrand and step sisters Sue Eckert and Sally VonSolkema. She is survived by her sisters-in-law LouAnne Gambino of N.White Plains, NY and Carol Ahlstrand of The Villages, FL.

She was predeceased by her sisters-in-laws Gloria Vallender and JoAnne Gambino, both from N. White Plains, NY. She also leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews.

Linda held many part time jobs in the area, as she enjoyed dealing with people, and was an avid duplicate bridge player in the Oak Island Duplicate Bridge Club. She volunteered, fostered and transported for several local animal rescue groups. She was also a very good poker player. Linda was a positive, kind, compassionate, selfless person. She had several serious medical issues after moving here, but regained her health with a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. She received a kidney transplant and strongly advocated for organ donation. She leaves behind many cherished and special friends both in the Southport/Oak Island area and Westchester, NY, but most important to her was her family, to whom she was devoted and loved so profoundly. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at https://support.pkdcure.org/fundraiser/5861648 or any of the local animal rescue groups such as The Unforgotten Souls, SOAR, Paws Place or any animal rescues in Western NC.

A visitation for Linda will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, 1411 North Howe Street, Southport, North Carolina 28461, followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 PM.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport