Lerch

Linda Suzanne Lerch, 71, of Meadville, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, minutes before her 72nd birthday, at Meadville Medical Center following a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer, with her family at her side.

Linda was born in Brookville on March 31, 1952, a daughter of the late Maurice and Marian (Carroll) Hartle.

On June 2, 1973, Linda married Emil “Jack” Lerch, who survives.

She was a member of St. Mary of Grace Church where she had served as a greeter, usher and manager of the prayer line. She also served as an Eucharistic minister at St. Brigid Church.

After 18 years of service, Linda retired from Crawford Central School District, where she taught elementary education at East End, Second District and West End Schools. She had previously been employed as a registered nurse at the former Meadville City Hospital. Linda was a member of the last graduating class of the former Meadville Spencer Hospital School of Nursing.

Although nursing was her first career, Linda had a desire to teach young children. With four of her own young children at home, Linda decided to pursue education and graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Edinboro University. She would later go on to earn her master's degree in education.

Regardless of what she was doing, Linda had a zest for life. She loved to travel, garden and spend time in the sun, and she was an upstart golfer. One of her favorite pastimes was attending the Crawford County Fair, especially the six-horse hitch competition. Her greatest joy in life was being “Grammy” to her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed.

In addition to her husband, Jack, of 50 years, Linda is survived by four children, Matthew Lerch (Becky) of Kildeer, Ill., Heather Lynch (Mark) of Unionville, Conn., Amanda Buxton (Jeff) of Grove City and Brad Lerch (Robin) of Erie; eleven grandchildren; a sister, Janet Lauer (Ron) of Lucinda; a brother, Terry Hartle of Lucinda; and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

LERCH — Family and friends of Linda Suzanne Lerch, who died Saturday, March 30, 2024, are invited to call from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a Scripture service will be held at 6:45 p.m.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, St. Mary of Grace Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Father Philip Pinczewski officiating.

Linda will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Linda's memory to Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St., or Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Road, or Meadville Medical Center Foundation, 736 Liberty St., all in Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.