Linda passed away December 29, 2023 after a brief illness.

She was very active in the Portland business community and her activites are profiled in the obituary below.

UPCOMING SERVICE -Celebration Of Life

Apr. 20, 2024 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI)  3920 N. Kerby Ave., in Portland 

Linda Wright Obituary

Linda Wright
Sept. 25, 1947 - Dec. 29, 2023
Linda Jean Wright, a beloved member of the Portland community, passed away Dec. 29, 2023, at the age of 76. Born Sept. 25, 1947, in Chicago, Ill., Linda was one of seven children who, at age 10, piled into the family station wagon with parents Roy and Elizabeth Gyllstrom and a cooler of food to get a fresh start out West. The final destination was Portland, Ore., where Linda spent the rest of her life, engaged in the business community and as a dedicated civic leader.

Linda graduated from Milwaukie High School and then entered the banking industry as an administrative assistant. Rising rapidly from secretary to Vice President for Public Affairs at US Bank, she devoted over 40 years to her career. Linda thrived in this role, particularly as Chair of the Bank's Contributions Committee.
Linda's proudest accomplishment was her role in helping Self Enhancement, Inc., (SEI) grow from a relatively unknown nonprofit organization into one of Portland's most championed causes. Through Linda's initiative, US Bank gave one million dollars - the largest corporate charitable gift in Oregon at the time - to launch a $10 million capital campaign to build a new center for SEI in North Portland. Linda worked tirelessly to ensure that the campaign succeeded, and that SEI had the infrastructure to support its unprecedented growth. Decades later, thousands of young people, at risk of drugs, gangs and crime, have benefited from a safe community center with a wide array of after-school and summer programs, along with mentoring to ensure their success in school and life.

Linda's philanthropic spirit extended far beyond her professional life, as she generously donated her time and talent to numerous charities, both large and small. In addition to Self-Enhancement Inc., these include: Providence Portland Medical Foundation Board and Chair of the Annual Cancer Luncheon; SMART; Portland Center Stage; United Way of the Columbia-Willamette; Chess for Success; St. Agatha's Grade School; and others. Linda chaired boards and organized fundraising galas, leaving an indelible mark on the causes she cared about deeply.

Friends fondly remember Linda as the one who organized social events, from golf outings and gourmet food gatherings to annual Christmas parties, where she cajoled guests into caroling in the neighborhood. Her sunny disposition and strong work ethic made her a cherished presence in both professional and social circles.

Linda was a devoted mother to Todd Austin Sabel, son from a marriage to Richard Sabel. She subsequently married her beloved Jerry Wright, sharing over 40 years of love and companionship until his passing in 2019. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Elizabeth; as well as two brothers, Jim Gyllstrom and John Gyllstrom. Linda is survived by her siblings, Bill (and Darlene) Gyllstrom; Ellen Gyllstrom; Bob Gyllstrom; Joanie (and Kevin) Pantano; son, Todd Sabel; partner Victor Hart; and a number of nieces and nephews.

As we bid farewell to Linda, let us celebrate a life well-lived, filled with dedication, generosity, and love. May her legacy continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Linda's life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SEI, 3920 N. Kerby Ave., Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in memory of Linda Wright to: Self Enhancement, Inc., or Providence Portland Medical Foundation (Cancer Research).
 

https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/linda-wright-obituary?id=54393228