SOUTHERN SHORES — Linda Sue Gillette of Southern Shores passed away on March 2, 2025. Linda was born in Oregon, IL on October 2, 1948. Early years were spent in Mt. Morris, IL later moving to Milwaukee, WI, graduating high school there in 1966. Her considerable artistic ability began to manifest in high school as she led various projects such as designing all the scenery for the musical play, The Sound of Music.
Linda entered the University of Wisconsin School of Fine Arts, completing her B.A. in Art with American University in 1974. She was a member of Mortar Board for academic achievement.
She spent seven years living in Germany as she worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency in their printing operation. Returning to the US, she continued her DIA career, receiving numerous awards as she rose to higher levels of management. Among these was the Directors Award for Exceptional Civilian Services in 1996. Linda earned her Masters of Science in Strategic Intelligence in 1994.
Upon retiring in 1998, she and her beloved husband, Sam, moved to Southern Shores, NC. Here she continued her love of art- painting many pictures, furniture and jewelry. She also painted all the wonderful carvings done by her husband Sam. Linda’s artwork was displayed throughout their home.
One of Linda’s greatest joys was being part of the Blanketeers, a quilting group. The group sewed quilts for those in need, for both adults and children. She was quite prolific and made a quilt a week in the winter months. One of her biggest efforts, done with Sam, was Hattie- a black and white horse in the Winged Horse Extravaganza in the Outer Banks. Her artwork sold in galleries across the area bringing smiles to many people over the years
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Sam and her mother, Judith Anne.
She is survived by her first cousins, David Mongan (Lorna) of Aurora, IL; first cousin, Karen M. Mongan of Oregon, IL; and five stepchildren, Sam Gillette, Jr. of Arlington, VA, Ann Paquette of Grandy, NC, David Gillette of Gaithersburg, MD, Craig Gillette of Washington, DC, and John Gillette of Raleigh, NC; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Linda’s memorial service will be held at 12 noon March 15, 2025 at Gallop Funeral Chapel in Nags Head, NC. Friends may visit the family one-hour prior. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
