Wilmington-Linda L. Penna, age 63, passed away peacefully at her home with her loved ones by her side on March 12, 2021. After winning a battle against breast cancer, Linda succumbed to ALS after fighting a two-year battle with this horrible disease.
Born in Tonawanda, NY and raised in New Castle DE, she was the daughter of the late Janice (Phillips) Edwards and Gordon Libby. Linda graduated from William Penn HS in 1975. Through the years she had worked for W.L. Gore, Ametek, Agilent and finally Home Depot.
When not spending time with her family and friends or being a devoted Granny, which was her favorite pastime, Linda enjoyed trips to the beach, traveling to Hawaii and cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Through the years Linda tried her hand at many hobbies. Ceramics, quilting, and cake decorating were just a few that she mastered. Her family reaped the benefits of what she lovingly made. A lifelong lover of animals, Linda also volunteered at the Delaware Humane Assoc.
Linda is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Michael C. who took care of her through her battles with cancer and ALS. She will also be dearly missed by her three children, Russell English (Rebecca), Kimberly English and Michelle Maksymiuk (Peter); two granddaughters Jenna and Nicole Tomassi who were unselfishly raised by Mike and Linda; and also, five other grandchildren, Gavin Hall, Russell and Eliana English, Leo and Henry Maksymiuk; two siblings, Valerie Shanahan and Steven Libby; niece, Janice and four nephews, Chip, Christopher, Mark and Andrew. Linda was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Kevin Shanahan. Her memory will also be cherished by Carol Heitter who acted as a surrogate mother for much of her childhood, along with her late husband Gary.
Linda’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to Penn Medicine, especially Dr. Lauren Elman and Mary Kelley and the nurses and aid by our side, Azalia, Latrina and Chelly of Season’s and Delaware Hospices.
Due to the current pandemic, service and burial will be held privately. There will be a viewing on Thursday, March 18, from 2:30- 3:30 pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pk, Wilmington. Viewing will be held in accordance with the current health directives, wearing masks, social distancing and capacity requirements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in ALS Assoc., www.als.org/greater-philadelphia.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
