Linda DiLonardo-Schlegel

Our incredible mother and grandmother, Linda Catherine DiLonardo-Schlegel, age 72, passed from this world on February 26, 2025 with her daughter Melinda and son Marcus by her side and her husband Daniel having just visited. Linda fought valiantly to overcome a series of cardiac arrests. Linda is survived by her son Marcus Schlegel, daughter Melinda Schlegel (Max Allan Dotson) and her husband Daniel Schlegel, who remained a supportive and caring friend throughout her life despite having separated. Her greatest joy was time with her granddaughters Maisie and Danica Schlegel and Ndali Dotson. She is also survived by siblings Janet DiLonardo, Catherine Cartwright (Peter), Philip DiLonardo (Laura), and Robert DiLonardo (Marie), and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, especially Brian and Shayna Cartwright whose care and support were essential. Linda is also survived by lifelong friends Frannie Cecil, Francine Rose and husband Richard Sandow, Marsha Balint, Margie Krogh, Carol Creager Birge, Dr. Joseph Saeli, Suzy Clark, Patty Gionta, Barbara Brockhoff, and so many others whose love and joy made Linda’s life richer. Linda was preceded in death by her father Savino “Sam” DiLonardo, mother Catherine (Winkler), and brother Michael DiLonardo. Linda passed at 11:05 pm and the position of the hands on the clock were a reminder of what she believed in most and shared so much of: peace and love. A true child of the ‘60s, Linda graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1971 and embarked on an arts career studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh before meeting Danny and starting a family in 1973. Linda lived a life of service and advocacy, especially for children, families, seniors, and public education. As a mother whose children had just experienced a school closing two years earlier, Linda organized with other parents and successfully fought to keep William Penn Elementary School open. That advocacy led to running for school director in the Penn Hills School District, where she served the children and community for two decades. The memory of Linda’s caring, warmth, and laughter will be a blessing to all who counted her as a friend. In lieu of a traditional funeral, the family is planning a memorial service in summer 2025, details of which will be forthcoming. Arrangements entrusted to the GENE H. CORL FUNERAL CHAPEL INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES OF MONROEVILLE.