November 17, 1947 – January 29, 2026
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, Ind. During her childhood, she was very 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 closely 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, Ind., where they raised their family. 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 very clean home and yard and enjoyed doing yardwork alongside her next-door neighbor, Annie A.
Linda maintained close friendships throughout her life. Her longtime best friend, Margie Chakos, her aunt Nancy (Klikas) De Vita, and Lilann Sgouros were all considered honorary sisters.
Proud of her Greek heritage, Linda was known in the dance community by her Greek name, Loukia. She taught belly dancing 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, 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 enjoyed hosting Jimmy Buffett-style parties, so please raise 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; her sisters Peg (Doug) Fralinger and Sandy Orfanos; and her honorary sisters Margie Chakos, Nancy (Klikas) De Vita, and Lilann Sgouros.
Linda will be remembered for the many connections she maintained over the years and for the distinct and active life she lived.
My deepest condolences to Linda’s family and friends. We graduated together from Lew Wallace HS.
We also served together on all of our class reunion functions. You will be solely missed by all.
Lou Lindinger