New Castle - Linda Jean Sylvester O'Neill, 78, passed away Feb. 23, 2026.

Born Sept. 11, 1947 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she was the devoted daughter of the late Elizabeth and Augustine Sylvester.

She grew up in a loving and hard-working family alongside her siblings, Frank and Bettyann. Linda would always state her siblings were her "HEro" and "SHEro" of her life.

She went on to marry Robert F. O'Neill of Boardman, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 1980. They had an incredible marriage for 46 years together as man and wife.

Linda will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and mentor. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren, along with her nieces and nephews whom she also considered her children.

For well over five decades, Linda was an innovative, inspirational and dedicated teacher, as well as administrator, at the Union Memorial School in the Union Area School District.

As a child, Linda attended Union Memorial School, where she would eventually teach and lead. Linda first began her incredible teaching career as an elementary teacher in 1971, then becoming the elementary principal in 1996. Wanting to continuously inspire and continue to improve the Union Area schools' programs, Linda became a pioneer, alongside Arleen Pascarella, who would help Union to become the first school district in the county to offer a full-time kindergarten program.

Then, more than 20 years ago, she was the vision behind the innovative Scottie Pups program specifically designed for infants to 3-year-olds. This program was designed around learning socialization skills using STEM activities. This evening program involves children, their families and school staff members who participate in specific activities related to literacy. This program has been at the forefront of what a good educator knows as she stated back in April 2026, "We say we're educating our kids from zero to 12th grade."

Linda knew the key to any child's success was to instill these skills sets as early as possible while fostering their curiosity. Linda was always an educator who taught from the heart and provided a safe space for a child to grow.

Linda earned degrees from the Franciscan University and Westminster College. It was there she received her teaching degree, master's degree and principal's certification.

Linda received many awards and nominations in her 53-year career. Some are the 2013 Union Area Academic Advocates Honoree, the 2013 Delta Kappa Gamma Woman of Distinction Award and the recipient of the 2014 Jean

Winsand International Woman's Award. She was also one of three Pennsylvanians nominated for the National Distinguished Principals Program.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Robert; daughter Kelly Notar; sons, Brian and Sean O'Neill; and son-in-law, Michael Notar. She is also survived by her beautiful sister and best friend, Bettyann Sylvester; niece, Valerie Perelman; nephew, Frankie Sylvester; along with her great-nephews, John Perelman and Anthony Sylvester. Her grandchildren include Kayla Jean Jadue, Nicholas Robert Jadue, Delaney Terese Notar and Michael Thomas Notar.

Linda also leaves behind her family members Dee Berarducci, sister-in-law; John Pacella and Donna Buck.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Augustine and Elizabeth Sylvester; and her brother. Frank Sylvester.

Linda will be remembered for her professional leadership, continuous community advocacy, and her devout passion for both students and educators alike. Linda worked tirelessly to advocate for children and her colleagues knew her as a kind soul.

To our family Linda was special to all who loved her; a deeply caring, loyal and loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to her family members. She was a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit friend. Linda was a comfort to many and a joy to all. Most of her time was spent with family and those she loved dearly. She had the kindest heart who was always doing for others around her. She was the heart and soul of our family and she will be dearly missed.

In the words of one of Linda's favorite advocates for children, Mister Rogers, "You've made this day a special day, by just being you. There's no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are."

Visitation will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the William F. DeCarbo and Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Ave., New Castle, PA. A memorial service will be held at the conclusion of the visitation hours. Deacon John Carran will officiate. Burial will be in St. Vitus Cemetery.

This memorial service is to gather those who loved Linda in the beautiful memorial chapel her father, Augustine Sylvester, built in 1978.

On-line condolences can be offered at www.williamrogerdecarbo.com.