Linda Anne Cruser

This will be posted in the Baltimore Sun. Will probably do a shorter version for the Times-Picayune and Sun Sentinel, but wanted to share the full version here:

Linda Anne Griffith Cruser passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:30 PM, at the age of 76, surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her sons Greg and Matt; her daughters-in-law Lex and Lauren; her cherished grandchildren George, Archie, and Lila, who brought her endless joy; her brothers Jeff, Tim, and Gary; and many other beloved family members and friends.

A lifelong faithful Catholic and proud Marylander, Linda earned two master's degrees—one in Education and one in Psychology—and dedicated much of her professional life to helping children in need. She taught special education and conducted assessments for children with traumatic brain injuries, bringing compassion, expertise, and unwavering patience to her work. Her commitment to supporting vulnerable students reflected the same deep loyalty she showed in every part of her life. Over her many years in New Orleans, she quietly taught hundreds of children to read and was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her work in the Fischer Housing Development.

Like so many Marylanders, she fell in love with a Navy man and followed him across distances. During Tom's Navy career, Linda embraced the community in each new assignment—Newport, RI; Norfolk, VA; Annapolis on the Naval Academy Yard; Seoul, South Korea; New Orleans; and beyond—before eventually settling in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to be close to her grandchildren. In every city, she found a way to serve, whether through volunteering, building friendships, or simply helping loved ones.

Yet no matter where she lived, she never let anyone forget that true crab cakes only come from Maryland—and she was always happy to defend that point with a smile.

Fierce loyalty defined her. She gave 100% of herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, educator, and friend—never hesitating to pour her heart into the people and causes she loved. Her faith was steadfast, her pride in her family and roots boundless, and her spirit warm and unshakeable.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the strength, kindness, and intelligence she brought to bear on everything she cared about.

A dedication service will be offered in her honor at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM.