Linda J. Harbaugh

A recording of Linda's viewing and services is available at the following link CLICK HERE for Linda J. Harbaugh Services (Recording)
Linda Joyce Harbaugh (nee Firth), 59, of Mullica Hill, NJ, passed away suddenly at Inspira Hospital on March 6, 2025. Born in Camden, NJ, Linda was raised in Blenheim, where she built cherished memories. She was a proud graduate of Highland Regional High School in Blackwood, NJ, and went on to study as a paralegal at Camden Community College.
Linda began her professional career at Ferrara Law Firm in Cherry Hill, where she worked from 1986 to 1994. Seeking new opportunities, she moved to Hilton Head, SC, in 1994 to work for Jenkins Law Firm. Fate had other plans for her, though, when she met the love of her life, Scott Harbaugh, on Memorial Day weekend in 1995. Their love story began with a chance encounter on Main Street on May 29, at the Memorial Day parade in Williamstown, NJ. While Linda returned to Hilton Head, SC, Scott was determined not to let her go. With the help of Alvin Hesley and Linda's father, Melvin Firth, Scott was reconnected with Linda. He received a heartfelt letter from Linda and a phone call later, Scott traveled to Hilton Head on June 21, 1996, to see her. Two months later, on August 10, 1996, he donned a tuxedo and proposed to Linda at Ben and Mary's Steakhouse in Virginia. On November 16, 1996, they were married, beginning 28 years of devoted marriage and her partnership at W. Randall Harbaugh Insurance Agency.
Linda and Scott built a beautiful life together, raising two beloved sons, Randy, 27 and Matthew, 24 who were her pride and joy. From 2004 to 2011, Linda was a dedicated Cub Scout Leader for Pack 244, supporting both of her boys through their scouting journey. Exceptionally patriotic, Linda epitomized love of God, family and country.
On May 7, 2011, Linda was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor. Two days later, she underwent surgery at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. For 14 years, she fought a courageous battle, facing every challenge with grace and resilience, always supported by her loving husband, sons, family, and devoted caregivers, Laurie A. Carr and Charlotte Toliver.
Linda found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an avid lover of long romantic movies, with Gone with the Wind and Dr. Zhivago holding special places in her heart. She also adored classic favorites such as Dirty Dancing, Grease, Grown Ups, and Blended, and she never tired of binge-watching the Hallmark Channel. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she made sure to rewatch holiday classics like A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every season.
Beyond her love for family and films, Linda had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her childhood cat, Simon, whom she loved to dress up, as well as the family pets, Fizz the dog and Sgt. Pepper the cat. She also had a lifelong love for third-generation Chevy Camaros and often told the tale of how all but the standard shift 1986 Z28 had been stolen-because no one knew how to drive it!
Family vacations were also a treasured part of her life, and she loved traveling to Disney World, Hilton Head, and Ocean City, NJ, creating lasting memories with her loved ones.
Linda is predeceased by her father, Melvin S. Firth of Blenheim; her stepfather, Howard I. Lathrop; and her in-laws, William Randall Harbaugh and Norma C. Harbaugh of Salem. She is survived by her loving husband, Scott R. Harbaugh; her cherished sons, Randy S. Harbaugh and Matthew S. Harbaugh, of Mullica Hill; her mother, Doris J. Firth of Blenheim; her sister, Allison D. (Firth) Wenger and spouse Dustan of Bellmawr, NJ; as well as extended family and countless friends who were blessed to have known her.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Earle Funeral Home 122 W. Church St. Blackwood, Gloucester Twp, NJ 08012. Viewing will be from 10:00am – 11:00am with service beginning at 11:00am. Internment will follow after service at Eglington Cemetery 320 Kings Hwy, Clarksboro, NJ 08022.
Linda's unwavering strength, deep love for her family, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Condolences may be shared at www.earlefuneralhome.com