August 20, 1969 – June 18, 2023

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our beloved Laura Ann Linhart Yanich. On June 18, 2023, she departed this world, joining our Heavenly Father.

A memorial service, dedicated to celebrating Laura’s remarkable life, will be held at New Hope Ministries in Naples, Florida on Saturday, July 15th at 4 pm. It is an opportunity for all who knew and loved her to come together, to pay tribute and find solace in one another’s company. In honoring Laura’s deep affection for the beautiful Florida surroundings, we kindly request that attendees wear Tropical Floridian Flair, symbolizing the vibrant spirit she embodied.

In Loving Memory of Laura Ann Linhart Yanich

August 20, 1969 – June 18, 2023

On June 18, 2023, Laura Ann Linhart, a beacon of sunshine within her community and family was taken from us at the age of 53. She was a beloved wife, devoted mother, loyal daughter, loving sister, fun-loving aunt, cousin, relative and a tremendously giving friend. Laura’s infectious joy and unwavering dedication made her an incredible teacher, deeply cherished by her students, faculty, and staff. Her presence in the classroom was a source of inspiration, and her positive attitude left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. The sudden loss of Laura has left an immense hole within our hearts. We struggle to comprehend the depth of this loss. Serving as a reminder of the remarkable person she was, Laura’s kindness, joyful personality, and unwavering compassion for others will forever remain ingrained in our memories.

Laura was born on August 20, 1969, in Erie, PA to her adoring parents, Margaret and Ray Linhart. She shared a special bond with her older sister, Angela Linhart Ashley, and her younger brother, Christopher Linhart. Growing up, Laura cherished spending time with her family bringing laughter and joy to those special moments. Her fondness for playing Scrabble, listening to Jimmy Buffet, and dancing the night away with her cousins, aunts, and uncles created treasured memories.

Laura graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in South Bend, Indiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Indiana University and Master’s in Education from DePaul University. Laura began her teaching career in Chicago, Illinois. Laura embraced Spanish culture and loved to travel abroad. Blessed with an adventurous nature, Laura traveled to Spain, Mexico, and Brazil. Laura was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

During the summer of 2005, Laura was living in Indiana and began working alongside her father at the Ray Skillman Auto Group. It was during this time that she met her husband Daniel Paul Yanich. Danny and Laura embarked on life’s journey together with lots of love, fun, and adventures. They wed on a beautiful fall day in October 2009. Laura and Danny truly enjoyed their life in Indiana. Laura taught Spanish at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. During this time, Laura and Danny started a family. On December 20, 2011, Adam James was born. Laura and Danny were overjoyed to have a son. She devoted her life to AJ. Laura was so proud of AJ and seized every opportunity she could to be present in his life. She attended his games, practices, school events, arranged play dates, took him to the zoo, and of course spent time on the beach. Danny, AJ, and Laura loved Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football. Danny and Laura had a dream of living in Florida and retiring to the sunshine and warm breezes of the Florida coast. They sold their house and all their furniture and moved to southwest Florida. Laura was a teacher at Marco Island Charter Middle School where she taught Spanish. Her energy, kindness, and dedication to her students was remarkable. She was an amazing teacher and went above and beyond for her students every day. She was a role model for new teachers and was a 2023 recipient of the Teacher of Distinction in Collier County. This award is given to a teacher who is “willing to share his/her practice with the community and other educators, who is willing to participate in peer learning and networking, and has a practice that has resulted in demonstrable student results”. Laura was also nominated for a 2023 Golden Apple Award.

Laura’s achievements in the classroom deeply touched the lives of many students and parents in Marco Island. Always listening and smiling, Laura was adored and had a reputation for being a wonderful person. Her spirit will resonate within the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impression and positive impact. Today, as we mourn the loss of Laura, we find comfort in our memories of her. Let us remember her with the love she brought into our lives, forever keeping her spirit alive in our hearts.

Laura is survived by her husband of 14 years, Daniel Yanich, her son, Adam James, her parents, Ray and Margaret Linhart. Laura has two siblings, Angela Linhart Ashley (Pete Ashley) and Christopher Linhart (Angela Jenal Linhart). She was so proud of her nephew Andrew Ashley. She also has two nieces whom she adored: Alexandra Ashley and Kensington Paisley. Laura also leaves behind her many cousins, aunts, and uncles all who admire her vibrant personality, her impeccable taste in music, cool car Bugsy, VW convertible and her blonde & curly hair.