Linda Arlene Goldstein

Linda Arlene Goldstein passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a nine-month, hard-fought battle while receiving hospice care at home.

She was born Linda Arlene Potter on October 17, 1948, in San Diego, California, to Roy Eugene Potter and Harriett Williams Potter. She was raised in San Diego and was the fourth of six daughters: Judy, Janice, Juanita, Linda, and the twins, Lois and Lorraine. She graduated from Chula Vista High School, Class of 1966. In 1995, she earned her associate’s degree in business from Denver Business College, and in 2009, she returned to school to obtain her Medical Assistant certificate.

Linda married her first husband, Charles Massengale, and in 1967 they welcomed their son, Rick Massengale (Jill Massengale). Though they were young and the marriage eventually ended in divorce, Linda later married Steven Engebretson in 1968. Together they had two children: Bobby Engebretson (born in 1968) and Twila Engebretson (Clark Jones), born in 1973. Linda had four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Linda and Steven raised their family in Danville, Illinois, until 1977, when they moved to Arvada, Colorado. They lived there until 1986, when Steven was transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for work. They remained in Albuquerque until 1991 before returning to Colorado, where they lived until 2008. After Steven was involved in a trucking accident that left him partially paralyzed, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to escape the snow and make life easier for him in his wheelchair. Linda and Steven were married for 47 years until his passing in 2013.

In 2015, Linda formed a friendship with Milt Goldstein shortly before the passing of her son Bobby. Milt became the man God sent to help mend her broken heart. They fell in love and were married in 2019. With that marriage came a beautiful “bonus” family. Milt brought three children—Mark (Lori), Charlie (Diana), and Helen (Fran)—as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

As a child growing up in San Diego, Linda spent most of her time surfing. If she wasn’t in the water on her surfboard, she was on the beach having bonfires with friends. She would surf in the mornings before school and still make it on time. After school, she would head straight back to the beach. She even briefly dated Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and once heard the band sing “Surfer Girl” to her at a beach bonfire. When she wasn’t surfing, she babysat to earn money. Having grown up in a very poor household, she was determined to be independent and always have something in her pocket.

While living in Arvada, Colorado, she started a business called “Demonstration Specialist,” where employees went into supermarkets to heat and distribute samples of Red Baron Pizza using small pizza ovens. Later, in Albuquerque, she worked as an office manager at an insurance agency and also served at Joy Junction, a homeless shelter she dearly loved. After moving back to Colorado, she worked for the State of Colorado Cosmetology Board. She loved her job and retired in 2007.

Linda was an incredibly active woman who could not be kept down. Even in her final days, she showed she remained in control of her life and her journey. She volunteered at women’s shelters and food banks - some of which she helped start. For many years, she participated in prison ministry in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and appeared on the Christian TV station KCHF, where she sang, prayed, and ministered. She met many well-known Christian artists, including members of the famous 80’s band Stryper.

She also volunteered with the Sun City Summerlin Security Patrol. While others thought she was “nuts,” she preferred the midnight-to-4:00 a.m. driving shift. She told many entertaining stories about what she encountered—from elderly fistfights to waking residents who answered their doors unclothed, to coyotes running alongside her patrol car with their nightly catch.

Linda was also a member of the Elks Club Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion in Lakewood, Colorado, where she volunteered extensively and organized countless events—fashion shows, mother-daughter dinners, Christmas parties, and more. If something needed decorating or supplied with food and drinks, Linda was the first to help, and she gave it her all. Her only complaint? She hated cooking.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Linda lived for God and was deeply involved in her church. She helped run food banks, children’s church programs, praise teams, and prayer groups, and she organized many church activities. She was self-taught on multiple instruments, including the piano, accordion, drums, and trumpet. Linda also took in numerous foster children because she wanted to show them that love exists and to provide them with a safe home.

Linda loved a good party and knew how to throw one. She made sure no guest ever left her home hungry or thirsty. Visitors always had a pillow and blanket, and everyone was welcome. She loved decorating her golf cart and participating in the Veterans Day Parade, where she and Milt won “Best Decorated Golf Cart” two years in a row.

She was the biggest fan of Tweety and had countless decorations and clothing featuring the beloved character. Many even called her “Tweety.” Believe it or not, her favorite Tweety item of all was the tattoo her daughter got of Tweety singing with the quote, “Just me, Linda E,” the name of the Christian cassette tape she recorded in the late 80s. She always said she wasn’t a fan of tattoos, but Twila’s Tweety was her favorite. It even included Linda’s signature.

Linda loved helping others, and it showed in everything she did. She would give food from her own pantry and refrigerator to anyone in need because she believed that was what God called her to do. Her greatest accomplishment was her relationship with God. Through every hardship and every blessing, she remained faithful. For many years, she answered her phone with “Praise the Lord,” often leading callers to believe they had reached a church.

Until her final breath, she was praying, singing, and lifting her hands in worship.

She is now with God—our forever angel. We will miss her deeply, but we rejoice in knowing she has entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday March 7th at 11:00am, at New Day Christian Church located at 3455 Cliff Shadows Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Heartfelt condolences and fond memories may be left for the Goldstein family at www.palmnorthwest.com.