Obituary: Linda Rugh Halsted, 77, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Linda Rugh Halsted, 77, most recently of Ridgefield, Connecticut, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024, following a brief illness.

Linda was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Nov. 1, 1946, to Margaret (Woratschek) and Philo Rugh, MD. After studying preschool education at Centenary University and Temple University, Linda married. She started a family and raised her children in Darien, and spent her retirement years in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She had recently returned to Connecticut to be close to family and friends during her illness.

Linda’s career as a principal executive assistant included tenure at companies such as Cadbury-Schweppes and Virgin Atlantic. She rounded out her career at the Central Intelligence Agency, where she lived and worked in locations including Langley, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

In her leisure time, Linda expressed her creativity and artistic side through drawing, writing and gardening. She cherished time on the beach and on the water, having spent many of her earlier years boating. Linda’s greatest joy was her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She adored babies and had a special gift for connecting with her young relatives.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Carey MacArthur and Amy Castanon, as well as her grandchildren, Alexis Halsted, Charlie MacArthur, Jacob Halsted and Paige Kasik-Meng. She also leaves behind her two beautiful great-granddaughters, Carleigh and Munroe, her golden retriever, Gracie, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Joseph Halsted, her parents, and her brother Edward Rugh.

A Celebration of Life for Linda will be held in June in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA Health), in gratitude for their kindnesses during her final months.