Linda Salmonsen Moore, age 81, of Hockessin, DE, passed away on January 27, 2024. She was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1942 to Carolyn and Arnold Salmonsen. Before her sophomore year, her family moved to Cinnaminson, NJ where she attended Palmyra High School. With her red and white saddle shoes and spunky attitude she caught Don’s eye, and they quickly became high school sweethearts. Linda was very active in high school as a cheerleader, on the softball team and various committees.
At Trenton State College she received an elementary education degree, was president of her sorority, and choreographed several talent show skits. Graduating with high honors she first taught second grade in Palmyra, NJ. She and Don married and then Linda taught for another year at Greenville Elementary in Wilmington, DE. Over the next 4 years Linda and Don moved to Eatontown, NJ, St. Louis, MO and returned to Wilmington with three wonderful children. Linda’s primary goal then became the care, love and nurturing of her children.
Linda’s talent for choreography, teaching, acting, dancing, and singing blossomed working with Aldersgate Church, area schools and theater groups. Highlight performances included the lead role of “Peter Pan” flying at the Grand Opera House, Robin in “Godspell,” and Lucy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” amongst many other roles. Her choreography highlights included the World Premieres of “Charlottes’s Web” and “The Enormous Egg” with original music by Evelyn Swensson. She also choreographed “My Fair Lady” and “The Music Man” for the Brandywiners at Longwood Gardens and various shows at other area theaters. Linda taught Methods and Skills in Dance part-time at West Chester University, Ballroom dance on Celebrity Cruises, and was the creator/organizer of a Physical Education Program with Marge Stitz for Concord Pre-School. In 1980, she founded “Stepping Out Smartly”, a dance fitness program for people over 50, which she continued for 35 years. For 6 years, Linda was an entertainment committee member and performer for “Hollidazzle” at Longwood Gardens.
Family was really her biggest “show,” and she was definitely the choreographer. Trips to the Grand Canyon, Cozumel and Club Med added to family fun. For over 50 years, Long Beach Island provided wonderful memories of playing in the ocean, boating, biking, and fishing with children and grandchildren. Linda and Don also enjoyed bicycle trips in Austria and Tuscany, cruises, and a sailing trip in the Caribbean.
Linda is survived by husband, Don Moore; her three children, Julie and John Adamou, Bob and Jen Moore, and Jim and Kim Moore; 10 grandchildren; and sisters Jill Ruhland and Patti Dickerson.
There will be a memorial service honoring Linda at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707 on Friday February 16, 2024, at 11:00 am with reception to follow. She was a special lady and a true gift to all who knew her.
Our sincere thanks to the staff at Cokesbury, particularly the medical and therapy teams in Willow Brook Court.
For online condolences, please visit www.mccreryandharra.com.
