Linda Luella Lieske (Zendt)

Linda Zendt Lieske peacefully passed away on March 24, 2023 at Mercy Ridge with her beloved husband Spence by her side. Born in Souderton, PA,on December 3, 1942 to the late Eatha A. Zendt (Allebach) and Ivan F. Zendt, Jr. Linda is survived by her husband of 55 years G. Spencer Lieske, and two sons Derek Lieske and Alex Lieske, his wife Heidi and their three children Cobb, Fitch and Tyson. Linda was a 1960 graduate of Towson HS, a 1964 graduate of Denison University, and later completed her masters degree in counseling at Loyola University. A gifted educator in mathematics, guidance and college counseling, Linda left a legacy of competence and caring throughout her career. After one year teaching in Dallas, in 1965 she accepted a math teaching assignment back in Baltimore County at Johnnycake JHS. Here she met Spence who taught math in an adjoining classroom. To Spence it was love at first sight. They married in June 1967, then they moved to the Lutherviile-Timonium area and never left. Linda also taught math at Cockeysville JrSrHS (now a middle school) and Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University). She then became a guidance counselor at Deep Creek JHS, then guidance chair at Chesapeake HS, and college counselor at Notre Dame Prep.

In addition to full time work, Linda and Spence actively supported their sons’ activities at Gilman and later at Colgate and Duke. She doted on her three grandchildren – Cobb, Fitch, and Tyson – and relished attending their schools on grandparents day and following their nascent sports activities as much as she did her sons. She and Spence enjoyed bridge and often played with her parents and other weekly or monthly groups. After retirement she volunteered at the welcoming desk at GBMC for seven years. She planned many family holidays and vacations with family and friends. Throughout their marriage many cats and dogs (and one hermit crab) filled the home. Having a dog or cat cuddled next to Linda always brightened her day.

The family wishes to thank Linda’s health aides (particularly Deana and Lenore), Mercy Ridge (particularly Kathy Hammel) and Gilchrist Hospice for their compassionate care, and to all the friends – too many to be listed – for their support.

Graveside services are private, but a celebration of life will be held at Mercy Ridge on a future date to be announced.

If you so desire, to honor Linda’s memory, you could make a donation to Animal Rescue of New Freedom, PA (https://www.animalrescueinc.org) or while kindly remembering Linda, brighten your day by cuddling a dog or cat.