Linda Gatchell Wiles

Linda Gatchell Wiles, 78 went home peacefully on January 12, 2026. She was born on October 24,1947 in her home to her loving late parents, Lois Lorraine Gatchell and Francis Baker Gatchell.

A longtime resident of North East, MD, Linda was the Class of 1965 at North East High School. She often spoke fondly of her early years and growing up alongside her sisters in the heart of town, living on both E. Cecil Avenue and Mauldin Avenue.

She built a life rooted in dedication and quiet pride. In the late 70s, Linda began her career as a bank teller, working for the First National Bank of North East in Elkton. Many will remember her warm and familiar presence at the drive-thru, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 2002 shortly after the acquisition to PNC Bank.

In 1980, Linda began a loving relationship with her husband, Harold. They settled into family life, raising two daughters and married in 1988. They lived in Fair Hill up until building their forever home in North East in 1997. She took great pride in her home keeping it immaculate inside, decorating for the holidays and filling the yard with flowers each Spring.

Family was the center of Linda’s world. She cherished her childhood bond with her sisters. In midlife, the monthly dinners shared with her mother and sisters and family gatherings were filled with laughter and joy, so much that any public gathering often drew the attention of people around them. She also treasured family vacations to the beach and time spent in the Poconos with her husband.

In her later years, her heart expanded even further with the arrival of her grandchildren. She dedicated herself caring for them and her love for them was enormous and unwavering. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother.

Along with her parents, she was welcomed home by her sisters, Brenda Rakes and Victoria Gibson, and her beloved baby girl, Jessica Maclary.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Harold Wiles, who was also her primary caregiver during her final years; her sister Nancy Justice of North East, MD; her two daughters, Allison Thompson of Elkton, MD (Joey Thompson) and Rachell Gatchell of Baltimore, MD; her seven grandchildren: Christian Keyes, Dylan Keyes, Tylan Keyes, Skylar Steele, Makayla Steele, Kelsey Thompson and Brielle Thompson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial for family and close friends will be held to celebrate Linda’s life and honor her walk home.