September 11, 1945 – March 21, 2025
Linda Teutschel passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025. A 53-year resident of San Carlos, Linda was a mother, grandmother, professional, dedicated community leader and volunteer who made a profound impact on so many.
Born in Indianapolis, IN on September 11, 1945, Linda was the eldest child of Glenn and Betty Ellis. At age 5 her mother remarried Harvey Bruce Byrd. Together they lovingly raised Linda and three younger siblings. Throughout her life, Linda shared a particularly close bond with her maternal grandmother, Alma Putman. Linda’s family moved west to Cupertino, CA when she was a teenager. She excelled academically, graduating with honors from Emil Buchser High School (now Santa Clara High School), in 1963.
While attending San Francisco State University, Linda worked as a legal secretary. She graduated in 1967 and reflected fondly on her “city days.” In October, 1966, Linda married her former husband Mike Teutschel. Linda and Mike moved from the Sunset District of San Francisco to San Carlos in 1972, and for the next 53 years, she gave her best to that community through her many civic roles.
Linda is probably best known for her forty years of service as Executive Director of Diamond Crest Girl Scout Camp, serving hundreds of girls from Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood Shores each summer at Huddart County Park in Woodside. It’s in this context that she came to be known as “Ladybug,” the camp name by which she will always be remembered. Under Linda’s leadership, generations of local girls and young women have had the invaluable, and often life-changing experience of scouting; each carrying with them important lessons, life skills, and memories.
In 1993, the City of San Carlos honored Linda with the “Citizen of the Year” award and she earned many other accolades in her five decades of volunteer work, which also included youth sports, the Jr. Auxiliary of the Assistance League of San Mateo County, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Brittan Acres, Arundel, Central, Tierra Linda Schools and Carlmont High School PTAs, San Carlos Chickens’ Ball, the San Carlos Lions Club, and the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce. Linda served as an interim San Carlos School Board member, and was the founding Executive Director of the San Carlos Charter Learning Center.
One of Linda’s favorite volunteer roles in her later years was as Executive Director for the Annual non-profit family event, San Carlos Hometown Days. She said she led that effort for two decades because “she loved a parade.” Linda’s professional role as Director of Operations at Menlo College spanned over twenty years. She was central to almost every aspect of the College community and was particularly fond of working alongside its students.
Whip-smart and witty with contagious laughter, Linda loved good humor. She was a voracious reader and loved the theatre and film. Herb Caen, David Sedaris, Armistead Maupin, Woody Allen, Christopher Guest and the Coen Brothers were among her favorites. She closely followed sports, politics, and current events, never missing a vote in her life. As a die-hard Oakland Raider fan and season ticket holder for over 35 years, Sunday tailgates at the Oakland Coliseum with her Raider “people” always included her special flair.
Always fond of travel, Linda visited many locales throughout the world. But she’d tell you her favorite destinations were Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hoboken, NJ, and the Pocono Mountains, where she spent time with her beloved grandchildren.
Linda is preceded in death by her mother Betty Jean Byrd, father Glenn H. Ellis, step father Harvey Bruce Byrd, brother Tim Ellis and niece Jennifer Ellis. She is survived by her daughters Laura, Anne (Jeff Kreisler), and her grandchildren Scott (13) and Sarah (8), with whom she shared a truly special bond.
An open-house style celebration of Linda’s life and community work will take place on Sunday, May 4th from 1-5 PM at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company in San Carlos. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Linda’s name to the following organizations: The American Heart Association (AHA-Heart.org), Menlo College Scholarship Fund (give.menlo.edu), or the Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos (PRFSanCarlos.org).