Linda Gratz

Linda Lee Gratz, R.N., B.S.N., 53, of Clarks Summit, died Sunday in VNA Hospice Unit at Geisinger Community Medical Center. She was the wife of Dr. Richard Gratz.Born September 14, 1961 in Bethesda, Maryland, she was the daughter of Howard and Carol (Harris) Lee, Moscow.Linda was a 1979 graduate of North Pocono High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Cedar Crest College, Allentown.She had been an intensive care nurse at the Scranton State General Hospital and maintained her credentials throughout her life, even after becoming a mother and devoting her life to her two children.She was a member of the Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green where she served as a minister of the Eucharist.Linda enjoyed traveling around the world visiting Italy, Switzerland, France and England, though her heart remained firmly in favor of Italy's little town of Assisi. She treasured nothing more than being with her children, parents and best friends, enjoying all the wonderful moments and events life had to offer; she never wasted a single moment to be happy. She enjoyed gardening and always took great pride in the multitude of beautiful flowers around her house in the summer. Linda showed incredible will, courage and endurance in the face of a terrible diagnosis, never letting it take her love of life and family. She is and will forever be a true survivor who did not lose her battle to cancer but instead let it enrich her life in ways that amazed all those who knew her, even up until her final days on earth. Her life is a testament to the amazing fact that love, devotion and willpower can create glory and triumph out of despair and hopelessness. She will forever be with her children and those she held closest to her heart. Linda and her family would like to offer a deep and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lisa Thomas and all of the nurses and physician's assistants of Hematology and Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the wonderful, caring nurses of the VNA Hospice at Geisinger Community Medical Center.Linda is survived by a son, Tyler Gratz, Clarks Summit; a daughter, Jillian Gratz, Clarks Summit; and both parents, Carol and Howard Lee, Moscow.The funeral will be Saturday from Church of St. Gregory with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., to be celebrated by Rev. John M. Lapera. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp.The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Church of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice or Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.