Linda (née Iacobucci) Wellbaum, age 97, died peacefully on July 15, 2019, surrounded by her children.
Linda was an accomplished pianist and harpist who performed extensively with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, and many other ensembles. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, she was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Matinee Musicale, and the American Harp Society.
Linda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who devoted her life to her family and to music. She was the loving wife of the late Jack Wellbaum for 65 years. She leaves behind her daughter Lisa Geber and her husband Stephen, son Ray Wellbaum and his wife Karen, daughter Laura Kalaitzoglou, six grandchildren (Stephanie, Lauren, Leah, Alex, Erik and Emma), and two great grandchildren.
Lisa Geber shares, “My mother wasn’t just my mother. She was my very first harp teacher, giving me lessons starting when I was 9 years old. When I was 15, she sent me to Camden, Maine, to study with Alice Chalifoux. My mother followed my career throughout the years. When I was awarded the principal harp position with the Cleveland Orchestra, my dream came true and so did hers! Thank you, mom, for all of your knowledge and love! Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many people who loved you.”
An open house celebrating Linda’s life will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Evergreen Retirement Community, 230 W. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215. Donations in Linda’s memory may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati (hospiceofcincinnati.org; 513-865-1616), and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
