A long-time physical therapist, Sister Linda Glaeser died March 26, 2020, at Buffalo General Hospital after a yearlong battle with cancer. She was 72.

Born in Buffalo June 15, 1947, Sister Linda was the daughter of Francis and Norine (Crehan) Glaeser. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in September 1965 and pronounced her final vows in December 1973.

Following two years at Mount St. Joseph College and one year of teaching at Cathedral School in Buffalo, Sister followed her dream. She completed the physical therapy program at SUNY at Buffalo, earning a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy in 1972.

Joining the Physical Therapy Department at Sisters of Charity Hospital in 1972, Sister worked in her field for 44 years. She served as assistant director for three years and was part of the hospital's Long-Term Home HealthCare Program from 1994-2013. She subsequently worked at Aspire of Western New York and volunteered at Journey's End Refugee Services.

Concern for others took Sister beyond her career - to Africa. A trip to Kenya with her niece Michele Sprada in 2003 made her aware of the lack of clean water.  She consequently founded Future in Our Hands - USA in 2005 to develop wells, support education, and organize multiple services. President of the organization's board, she made several trips to Kenya between 2005 and 2019.   

A music lover, Sister sang in the choir at St. Joseph University Church in Buffalo. She also played guitar and sang with Sisters of St. Joseph groups.

Sister is survived by her sisters Karen Sprada and Teresa Ricigliano.  

A memorial Mass will be offered in the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence at a time to be announced.