DeCola

Linda D. DeCola, 73, of Chicora, a retired Karns City Area schoolteacher, passed away peacefully at home while in the company of her loving family Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2024.

Linda was born in Butler on March 23, 1951. She was the daughter of the late Robert E. “Bob” and Margaret E. “Peggy” Sherwin McElroy.

She was a graduate of Karns City Area High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in education at Villa Maria College in Erie and her Master of Arts in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Mrs. DeCola was a dedicated teacher for more than 40 years, beginning her career at the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District in Foxburg where she taught for seven years.

While at A-C Valley, Mrs. DeCola wrote several successful federal grants and used those funds to greatly enrich the learning environment of her students. She later taught home economics and child development at Karns City Area High School and retired in 2013, following more than 34 years of service. Mrs. DeCola was highly respected among the district’s students, staff and parents. Her students were affectionately, “her little lambs.” She was passionate about instilling them with the values of parenting and raising a family.

She was a longtime active member of the Karns City United Methodist Church. Linda had been a member of the former Chicora Chapter 354 of the Order of Eastern Star and had served as mother adviser to the Rainbow Girls. In retirement, Linda enjoyed quilting, cooking, and traveling with the quilting club, her retired colleagues, and most especially trips to Disneyland with the grandkids.

Linda is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Daniel J. DeCola Sr., whom she married in Karns City on July 3, 1976. Also surviving is a son, Daniel J. DeCola Jr. and his wife, Mina, of Cranberry Township; a daughter, Elysha D. DeCola (Daniel Helch) of Chicora; four grandchildren, Luca D. DeCola and Malèna K. “Lanie” DeCola of Cranberry Township and Gianna M. and Adelynn D. Helch of Chicora; a brother, Robert McElroy and his wife, Tammy, of Chicora; two sisters, Cynthia Allen of Chicora and Rebecca McElroy Maffei of Butler; two stepsisters, Kimberly Lorts and her husband, Buck, of Oregon and Pamela Barlett and her husband, Allen, of Bruin; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Marcia DeCola of Lower Burrell; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, James Allen and Ralph Maffei; her stepmother, Ruth McElroy; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.

DECOLA — Friends of Linda D. DeCola, who died Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF CHICORA, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

Members of the Butler Chapter 45 of the Order of Eastern Star will conduct a memorial service for their departed sister at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jim Lewis, her former church pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Hillview Cemetery in the village of Kepples Corners.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a children’s charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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