Obituary of Linda L. Whitacre

Linda Whitacre, 75, of Bainbridge passed away on September 7, 2023 after a sudden and hard battle with cancer. Linda grew up in Guilford and then Bainbridge. After graduating from Bainbridge-Guilford High School with the class of 1966 she attended Binghamton Nursing School and married Joseph Mortzheim of Greene. Unfortunately, he died shortly after the birth of their son, also named Joseph. In 1974 Linda married Ernest Whitacre of Brookfield. The two were happily together from then on. A dedicated community member, Linda volunteered on the Bainbridge Emergency Squad in the 1970's, including serving as Captain. She also started and ran a craft store called "The Shanty" during the 1980's and 90's. She was a Public Health Nurse in the 1970's and a nurse at Camp Brace Juvenile Detention Facility in the 1980's and 90's. Always busy, after retiring from Brace she worked as a nurse for the Bainbridge-Guilford School System. Gregarious and of good humor she was always happiest when surrounded by her many friends and family. She delighted in collecting glassware, teddy bears, and whatever else took her fancy. She was always working on a craft project and eager to tell you about her beloved dogs. She was predeceased by her mother, Florence Tredray Salak, and her father, Thomas (Gloria) Salak Sr. She is survived by her husband Ernest Whitacre, her son Joseph (Holly) Mortzheim, her grandson Jack Mortzheim, and her siblings Marguerite "Peg" (David) Robinson, Thomas (Cindy) Salak Jr., and Sheryl Kondrach as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved pets. A graveside service will be held at the Greenlawn Cemetery on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice in Linda's honor. Please take the time to honor Linda's legacy by making something with a hot glue gun and giving your dog a hug.