Linda L. Lounsberry, 77, passed away on Friday (February 13, 2026) at home surrounded by family.
Linda was born on August 6, 1948 in Wellsville to James Leland and Doris Marie (Barber) Lounsberry. She was a 1966 graduate of Scio Central School and earned her Bachelor of Science from SUNY College at Oneonta in 1969. Linda was a Home Economics teacher for Cuba Central School for five years before moving to Los Angeles, CA in 1974. She went back to college where she earned her Masters of Science in Special Education and settled into a career as a Special Education teacher, retiring from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA in 2012. Upon retirement, she moved back to Scio to be close to family.
Linda is survived by one sister, Sharon Strawcutter of Alfred Station, four nephews, David (Jackie) Faulkner of Hertford, NC, Robin (Nichole) Faulkner of Alfred Station, Mark (Christine) Faulkner of Rochester and Gene (Cooper Brown) Faulkner of Scio; one niece, Rebecca Smith of Crestview, FL; Lorie Smith of Panama, the recent widow of her nephew, Wayne; 17 great nieces and nephews; 21 great-great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great-great nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Richard Smith and Irving Strawcutter and a nephew, Wayne Smith.
Linda lived a life of giving to others. Though not having a family of her own, she gave herself to the task of teaching and equipping her special needs students. She also “adopted” her four generations of nieces and nephews, making the long journey back to Scio often to attend births, marriages, summer family picnics and Christmas holidays. Though she lived 3,000 miles away, for every important family event, she was always there as part of the celebration.
Linda was a wonderful seamstress and an avid crocheter. She also employed her other many craft making skills to make wonderful homemade gifts. These treasures of afghans, baby blankets, sweaters and personalized picture frames were distributed to her extended family on her many trips back home.
Linda was a huge animal lover, especially cats and she was really big into genealogy. Her nieces and nephews describe her as gentle, kind, sweet and without a bad bone in her body.
Visitation will be held on Saturday (February 28) from 2-4 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. The memorial service will be at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation. Her ashes will be laid to rest in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio at a private graveside service in the spring. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813 or to Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
