Portland DBT Institute’s director, Linda Demiff with a heavy heart, shared the very sad news of Marsha Linehan death. She died on Tuesday, November 10th, surrounded by the unwavering love of her daughter, Geri. Marsha was hospitalized at the UW Medical Center for pneumonia on October 31st and eventually transitioned to Comfort Care (like hospice) about a week ago. She died peacefully, hearing her favorite Gregorian chant music playing in the background. According to Demiff in a mail shared to staffs, “a few of us had the good fortune of visiting with Marsha at her bedside before her passing. In her honor, we danced.
We know people may be eager to support Geri and the family. We ask that you respect her and their privacy for now. Messages to Geri (and wishes for Marsha) can be sent to Marsha’s personal email: REDACTED. More will be forthcoming about ways to honor and observe her death, so we can celebrate the incredible, remarkable, inconceivable, and brilliant life of our dear Marsha.
We also know this is difficult news for many in our community.”
“Marsha was our mentor, model for clinical excellence and courage, second mom or Auntie/grandmother, a brilliant beacon of hope for many. We know Marsha’s passing will have a big impact on many clients (present and former) who are alive today and have hope because of Marsha. They may need extra support during this time. Supporting them through their grief of Marsha’s passing is one of the greatest gifts we can give to Marsha – as a community of DBT providers taking care of one another so that we can support our community of DBT clients. She will remain a beacon of hope for what is possible, that it is possible to get out out hell and build (step by step, skill by skill) a life worth living filled with riches of family and friends and deep meaning,” Linda Demiff wrote.