Linda "Lin" Gilbey

Linda “Lin” Gilbey (Sgouros), 78, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. She was born on November 17, 1947, to the late Genevieve (Klikas) and Peter Sgouros.

Linda was born in Chicago and raised on Van Buren Street in Gary, Indiana. During her childhood, she was close to her younger brothers, sharing a strong bond with Nick Sgouros and often acting as a second mother to her youngest brother, John Sgouros. These early family relationships remained important throughout her life.

She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1965 and stayed connected with her classmates, serving on her class reunion committee and maintaining lifelong friendships—especially her friendship with Wendy Bohl.

In 1967, she married Dennis Gilbey, and together they made their home in Merrillville, Indiana. Dennis passed away in 2019, shortly after they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Linda balanced many roles in her life, including raising her daughters, Paula and Denise. During their childhoods, she spent much of her time taking them to horseback riding lessons, leading Brownie troops and serving as a room mother at school. She took pride in keeping a spotless home and enjoyed doing yardwork alongside her next-door neighbor Annie A.

Linda maintained close friendships throughout her life. Her longtime friend, Margie Chakos, and her Aunt Nancy (Klikas) De Vita were considered honorary sisters.

Proud of her Greek heritage, Linda was known in the dance community by her Greek name, Loukia. She taught Greek dance for many years and also performed professionally at festivals, birthdays, and retirement parties, becoming a familiar presence at community events.

When her daughters were in high school, Linda returned to college and earned her nursing degree. She worked for decades as a nurse, primarily in assisted living communities, where residents appreciated her steady care and attention.

Linda valued health and fitness and enjoyed working out, rollerblading, and playing tennis.

In 2000, Linda and Dennis, along with her mother Genevieve, moved to Avon, Indiana, to be near her youngest daughter, Denise and her husband Ron, and her grandchildren Chris and Jack. She spent frequent time with her grandchildren and joined them on outings to the Children’s Museum, the zoo, playgrounds, and playgroups. They affectionately called her “Plain Old Yaya.”

Linda also cared for her mother until her passing in 2016.

She was a Jimmy Buffett fan, so please raise your fins or a margarita in her honor. Cheers to Linda.

Linda is survived by her daughters Paula (Bo) Coody and Denise (James; Ron, honorary) Purciful; her grandchildren Ashley (Travis) Smith, Chris Moe, and Jack Moe; her great-grandchildren Cole and Eli Smith; her brothers Nick (Lilann) Sgouros and John (Lynn) Sgouros; and her sisters Peggy (Doug) Fralinger and Sandy Orfanos.

Linda will be remembered for the many connections she maintained over the years and for the distinct and active life she lived.