In loving memory of

Linda Langsted
November 20, 1951 - August 15, 2021

Please join us in remembering the remarkable life of our most beloved Linda Langsted, who passed away surrounded by her family on August 15, 2021.

From her long career as a Diabetes Nurse Educator to her constant role as an involved and caring mother, Linda's compassion and natural role as a caretaker made the lives of everyone around her better. She loved helping people, which was at the core of everything she did.

Linda met her husband, high school sweetheart Jim Langsted, in Bellevue, Washington. They lived a life of adventure, from joining ski patrol together as teenagers, to traveling around the world, to packing up and moving out to the mountains of Colorado to build a home and life as a married couple. 45 wonderful years of marriage and a family of well-loved kids and cats later, she taught us so much about loving and supporting unconditionally. She also taught us the value of joy and silliness in daily life, and we dearly loved the spontaneous, light-hearted songs and dances she made up to bring light and laughter to the day.

Linda was a strong leader, and could always be found at the heart of her family's activities, organizing, problem solving, communicating, planning activities, and boosting people up. She was proud of her family, who were the center of her world, and her humor and deep compassion lifted us and carried us through life's hard times.

Her creativity was a blessing in all her pursuits and passions. A skilled seamstress and Costumer, she helped costume hundreds of kids in the arts over the years, teaching them along the way to love their craft and take pride in how they presented themselves. She loved musical theatre, and traveled all over the country to see her kids performing and, of course, helping out with the costumes.

The homes of her friends and family are filled with her beautiful handmade quilts, pets around Colorado wear her doggy bandanas, and her favorite cat adoption shelter was able to raise crucial operating funds from her line of handmade "Lavender Cats." Her home, gardens, and sanctuary for wildlife are a haven that echo with her memory and her love forever. The wild turkeys, birds, and other wildlife of Coal Creek Canyon will also miss her dearly.

Linda is survived by her husband Jim, son Evan (Meriah) Langsted, daughter Abby Langsted, sisters Celeste (Dan) Lavender and Denise (Brian) Baker, brother Brian (Lynn) Kuske, and cats Lucy, Norah, and Maisie. We will miss her more than words can say, and know that she will be with us in everything we do. Please take a moment to share any fond memories from Linda's amazing life.

Tributes

Celeste Lavender wrote on Oct 5, 2021:

" Four hours and 21 minutes, that was Linda and my longest phone conversation. Our phone conversations were never less than 2 hours. We just loved to talk. 2:30 A.M. in the morning we would be finishing sewing projects together. Many hours of sharing our creative ideas and planning events, family reunions, and wedding receptions. Millions of times I?ve been grateful for her love & encouragement. Years of taking care of me and my siblings. Years of sharing her knowledge and encouragement with me. 100% is the time she was always there for me no matter what.  I?m missing you so much my big sister, my confidant, my mentor, and my friend. How grateful I am to have had you in my life.  I carry a little part of you with me in all that I do.  I know you are up in heaven and I hope you realize how much you were loved by all of those you left behind.  I love you Linda. Love, your little sister Celeste "

Sharon Wilking wrote on Sep 25, 2021:

"How does one encapsulate a life into just a few words? Going back to working together as fairly new RNs, then "neighbors", home owners, moms, and travelers..... We won't forget happening upon a new "for sale" sign on our way to the airport after visiting them, and then sending Linda & Jim to check it out for us. Linda exuberantly described it to us like this: "It's like the Sound of Music up there!!" That convinced us to fly right back , & it became our home! :) Her smile , her energy and all of her being will be missed! Love, Rick & Sharon"

Ben Wilking wrote on Sep 22, 2021:

"Linda was always so nice to me as a kid and a great example of relentless positivity. One fond memory of Linda I always carry with me: When I was 10, Linda told me "Pizza isn't actually that bad for you, it's just the toppings that are bad!" Inevitably, I think of Linda saying this every time I am eating way too much pizza (with healthy toppings!). She will be missed! "

Natalie Farney wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"I remember Mrs Langsted?s wonderful heart, and she is one of the most selfless compassionate and kind I have ever met. I will never forget her dedication and loyalty to YGP and her willingness to help make everyone in their costumes and make up look perfect. She always had a kind word and a smile on her face and never complained even if she had 1 million things on her plate. She has such a giving soul, and I know she is up in heaven with God and all the angels. "

Cindy Rehm wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"Dear Jim, Abby and Evan. We are heartbroken to hear of beautiful Linda's passing. We will always cherish the times we spent together in friendship and pride watching our children perform on stage in Maine. Linda is now in Our Lords loving care, God Bless. Cindy and Manfred Rehm"

Kenneth Kerr wrote on Aug 21, 2021:

"We send our love to Jim, Evan and Abby. May all of the wonderful memories they share bring comfort and joy. Our prayers are with them all. We love you, Linda. May you rest in peace. Peggy and Ken Kerr "

Kristi wrote on Aug 20, 2021:

"Jim, Evan & Abby, I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. ? Kristi"

Sarah Lavender wrote on Aug 17, 2021:

"When I think of my dear Aunt Linda, I am reminded of a character from one of my favorite books, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Aunt Linda's heart was too big for her body, her shine too bright for eyes to properly adjust to. Every living creature was cared for by her, appearances and statuses were never applicable. She may have existed in a small body, but upon entering a room she would illuminate even the darkest corner with her light. I truly have never met anyone like her. She was unafraid to be silly and goofy as she danced around the room, or sang a little made up song to help a frightened cat feel safe and loved. Aunt Linda was a "star person", and "star people" are very rare. They are sent into our lives to help us learn how to love and how to live. How truly lucky we are that she was sent to us. ?She laughed when there was no joke. She danced when there was no music. And of all the unusual features of Stargirl, this struck me as the most remarkable. Bad things did not stick to her. Correction: her bad things did not stick to her. If we were hurt, if we were unhappy or otherwise victimized by life, she seemed to know about it, and to care, as soon as we did. But bad things falling on her -- unkind words, nasty stares, foot blisters -- she seemed unaware of. I never saw her look in a mirror, never heard her complain. All of her feelings, all of her attentions flowed outward. She had no ego.? ? Jerry Spinelli, Stargirl"