Linda J. Netzel (nee Dietrich)

Linda J. Netzel (nee Dietrich) 74, of Lakewood, New York, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at her home.  Linda was the beloved wife of the late Willibald Netzel; loving mother of Michael Simko (Michelle); Timothy Simko (Cindy); Andrew Simko (Ashley); devoted grandmother of Tim, Mike, Daniel, Andy and Samantha Simko; great grandma of Theo, Mia and Danny; cherished daughter of the late LeRoy and Loretta Grace Dietrich (nee Filley); dear sister of Diane Gentile (nee Dietrich); Dale and the late LeRoy and Dennis Dietrich; cherished aunt, great aunt, cousin, co-worker and friend of many.

Linda was called home on Mother’s Day morning, just three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  In those three weeks, she was able to express love and gratitude to friends and family. 

Linda was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended St. Colman School and West Tech High School.  As a young woman, she worked at Ohio Bell, before becoming a wife and stay-at-home mother. She enjoyed reading fiction and non-fiction and writing poetry.  She also loved art and music.

Later in life, Linda rejoined the workforce and became a supervisor at North Coast Cablevision, and an administrative assistant at Forest City Packaging.  She was a Sunday school teacher, teacher’s aide, choir member and PTA mom.

Linda lived her life according to her favorite acronym, J.O.Y., Jesus first, Yourself last, and Others in between.  She was very close to her little brother and childhood playmate, Dale, and his little boy Mark, whom she loved like her own.  She was extremely fond of her dear sister Diane, and their relationship grew stronger every day.  She also considered her special cousin, Pam, a BFF.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband Willie who was her best friend and confidant.  She was a strong supporter of our military, and very proud of having sons and brothers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Linda was very proud of her three sons, and their devoted wives and children.  She was an avid “boy mom” and had three brothers.  And although she found the role of stepmother to three girls daunting, she loved her stepdaughters Elizabeth, Julie and Meredith very much, and cherished their relationship with their father.

Linda was a big fan of the Schnauzer dog breed, and she felt that the fact that they looked like hilarious little old men, made up for their persnickety personalities. 

Private interment at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements under the care of Cannon-Catavolos Funeral Home of Parma Heights.

For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com

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