Linda Weisbeck, Roswell Park’s first successful bone marrow transplant for leukemia in 1978, died Wednesday, October 6 at Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport at age 74. Although Roswell has had many successful transplants in later years, Linda was the first to survive acute myeloid leukemia with a bone marrow transplant in the 1970s under Dr. Donald Higby.
Linda was a registered nurse and worked at Roswell Park Memorial Institute for five years. She resigned to go back to college to complete her Bachelor Degree in nursing when she became ill at 28. She was transferred to Roswell for treatment and was put into a remission, which lasted two years. When she could not be put back in remission Linda asked her doctor to try a bone marrow transplant knowing the odds were against her survival. She hoped that if she did not survive something could be learned to help future patients.
Linda made good use of the 44 years of life after the transplant. She went back to school and finished her bachelor degree in Nursing at University of Brockport. She continued on to complete a Masters Degree in Nursing and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling at University of Buffalo.
She was a Major in the United States Army Reserves 365th Evac. Hospital Niagara Falls, N.Y. from 1975-1984.
She worked in various hospitals in and around Rochester: Genesee Hospital as a Patient-Family Advocate, (Nurse Clinician), and Primary Nurse Therapist; Rochester Psychiatric Center Class Facilitator for Men’s Domestic Non-Violence Workshop and Community Mental Health Nurse; Unity Health Primary Care Program Primary Nurse Therapist; Webster Comfort Care Home Primary Therapist and Journey Home Comfort Care Nurse.
Linda is the daughter of the late Leonard and Elizabeth (Betty) Weisbeck and sister to Lee (Vikki), Jean, Robert (Lisa), Greg, Lori (Dale) Gramza, Chris (Janet) and Susanne (Michael) Galbraith.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ron Carroll, stepchildren Ronald D, Beth (Michael) Smith, grandchildren Kayla and Jordan Smith, Tyler and Alyssa Carroll and Dougal, their sheltie. She also has 11 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews.
Linda loved traveling, making quilts and jewelry, sewing, collecting antiques, garage sales, thrift shops, and camping with husband, Ron’s kids, her parents and her Shelties.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 30 at the Whistle Stop on Railroad St. Alden, from 1 to 3pm. Family, relatives, friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.
Donations in her memory can be made to Journey Home, 994 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14612 or Elderwood of Lakeside at Brockport, 170 West Ave., Brockport, NY 14420 Activity Fund.
Dear Weisbeck and Carroll families, I am so very sorry for your loss. Linda was an amazing woman,, may your memories of her life with you some how bring you some peace. Bill and Patti Aquila
Sad to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a beautiful, funny and brave lady. My condolences to all of the Weisbeck family.
Sorry to hear a Linda’s passing. May it comfort you to know it was a life well-lived.❤️
Linda was a great nurse and friend, may she rest in peace.
Because I’ve been thinking of Linda, I went online planning to reconnect after not seeing her for many years. That’s how I found her obituary. Linda was my strength and support from the time she first came to my hospital room in May of 1985. I was a breast cancer patient and an employee of Genesee Hospital. Throughout my battle, Linda was always available to help me in so many ways. She became a very dear friend. After our family experienced a life changing loss, our paths changed. My last memory of Linda was at lunch to catch up. She was at Journey Home and still sharing her strength and support. Ron, I’m so sorry for your loss, but please find comfort in knowing Linda will forever be loved and a part of so many lives she helped.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Linda’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences to all of the Weisbeck family. I will always remember Linda’s wonderful and gentle soul. May she Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻
Such an amazing woman and friend. Her memory will live on forever with her spirit for life! Rest In Peace my friend.
Ron and the Weisbeck family….I am so sorry for your loss. Linda was a life long friend and traveling buddy. I will miss her and our trips to NYC. I am comforted by the thought that she is at rest now and with her mom and dad. May Ron and her family know that while she is gone from us she will never be forgotten.
Dear Ron and Weisbeck Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Linda was one of the strongest women I know. Many memories were made while camping at Tumble Hill. Rest in peace dear Linda.
Linda was such an awesome nurse- compassionate, caring and firm. We loved here at journey home and will always treasure her memory!🌺❤️
Our sympathy is extended to all of Linda’s family. She was a wonderful person.
Alden Class of1965
My condolences to all her family and friends. Linda was many things to many people and will be missed. Her many talents have touched all of us and will be remembered and carried on.
So sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I didn’t know her, but it seems she was a very ambitious and lovely woman who gave back greatly with the gift of health she had been given. Prayers for the Weisbwck family.
We have a lost a very loving woman! Condolences and hugs to Ron and to all the family! I treasure the many wonderful memories of her and the many good times we shared!
Chris and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that memories of Linda will help you through the sadness.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Linda was an amazing woman and will be missed. Thinking of you at this time Ron and family.
I’m saddened to hear about Linda’s passing. She was a remarkable and brave woman who helped many patients throughout her career. She will be missed. Ron, you took great care of Linda. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.