LINDA DOWNS

She was born on May 11, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, and grew up in Weirton, West Virginia, where she graduated from the first graduating class of Weirton Madonna High School.

Linda’s early ambitions led her to a year of nursing school, but her career path ultimately took her in the direction of dental assistance. She worked alongside Dr. Block and Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Conrad Koch.

One of Linda’s most cherished passions was her love for her family, and friends. She was known for her culinary skills and found joy in baking and cooking for her loved ones. Her thoughtfulness extended to never forgetting anyone’s birthday, a testament to her caring nature. Linda’s heart belonged to her nieces and nephews, as well as her great nieces and nephews, who brought immense happiness into her life.

Later in life, Linda married Peter Downs, but sadly, he passed away in 1998. In 2016, she returned to Weirton, relishing the proximity of being her sister’s next-door neighbor. Her constant companion for the last 13 years was her adored puppy, Daisy.

Linda eagerly anticipated the annual Kecker Family Reunions, where she could connect with her extended family and share in the bonds of love and history. She was the daughter of Gordon and Ruth Ann Kecker Long, Sr., her father passing away in 1996 and her mother in 2008. In addition to her husband and parents, Linda was also preceded in death by her brothers, Gordon Long Jr. and Dennis Long and her brother-in-law George Patrelakis.

Linda will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and friends, her culinary talents, and her warm and caring spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love that will continue to touch the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be remembered with love by her sister, Leslie Patrelakis, and her brother, James Long; her sister in law, Peggy Long. Linda leaves behind a legacy of love and caring through her nieces and nephews: Steve (Jennifer) Patrelakis, Lindsay (Jared) Miller, Dennis (Karen) Long, Jr., Robert (Carol) Long, Scott (Julia) Rodell, Michael Mandich, Meredith (Ford) Dieth, and Jackie (Rob) Philhower. Her great nieces and nephews, Julie Patrelakis, Olivia and Gabrielle Sellers, Levi and Dominic Miller, Madeline Long, Ashley, Grace, and Emily Philhower, and Trey, Kelly, and Lee Dieth; and her great-great niece Dylan will carry forward her memory with love. Linda also leaves behind the matriarch of the Kecker family, Rose Marie Kecker.

A visitation for Linda will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Weirton.

Fr. Binu Sebastian will preside.

Following the Mass, Linda will be laid to rest at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s Catholic Grade School 140 Walnut Street Weirton, WV 26062.

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