Dr. Linda J. Morgan Echard – New Stanton, formerly of Charleroi
Dr. Linda J. Morgan Echard of New Stanton, formerly of Charleroi, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2024. She was born in Charleroi on July 18, 1952, to the late Albert T. Jr. and Stella Cirollo Morgan. After being born and raised in Charleroi, Linda and her family moved to New Stanton, where she remained for the rest of her life. Linda graduated from Mon Valley Catholic High School in 1970. She then continued her education by obtaining both a bachelor’s (1973) and master’s (1977) degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania. She went on to obtain her doctorate in educational leadership from Duquesne University in 2007. She also obtained various professional certifications throughout her career, including a reading specialist certification, a principal’s certification and a superintendent’s letter of eligibility. Linda began her career in the humble school of her home parish, Holy Cross, where she began as a teacher and then became the first lay principal. She went on to become the principal of Charleroi Elementary Center in the Charleroi School District, Westinghouse Elementary School in the East Allegheny School District, and Mosside Middle School as well as Cleveland Steward Elementary School, both in the Gateway School District, where she retired from. She was truly a lifelong learner and devoted her life to helping others through education. Linda had been a member of Holy Cross Church in Youngwood for almost 50 years, where she had been a lector as well as a eucharistic minister. Linda enjoyed so much to share the Word of God and visit the local nursing homes to bring communion to the sick. She was currently an elected councilperson to New Stanton Borough Council, where she had served for the past 14 years in an effort to help the community that she loved thrive and earn its full potential. She was also currently serving as the vice president of the Westmoreland County Boroughs Association. Linda had a great passion for cooking and baking, using her Italian heritage to happily entertain for all of her friends and family. She was an avid lover of music and musical theater. She is survived by her loving daughter, Elizabeth Rose Echard of New Stanton, whom she adored, and Elizabeth’s very special boyfriend, Connor Gilleland, whom Linda loved as if her own son. One of Linda’s greatest joys was bringing these two together. Linda is also survived by her brother, Albert (Cynthia) Morgan of Uniontown; special cousin, Colleen (Ralph) Stokan of Speers; and numerous special cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years and best friend, Ronald L. Echard; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emery W. and Elizabeth (Poorman) Echard; sister and brother-in-law, Ronald L. and Carol M. (Morgan) Umbel; sister-in-law, Marlene Morgan; special nephew, Ronald L. Umbel II; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Linda will be sadly missed by her dogs, Sadie and Gracie, and will join her dogs, Brandy and Shelby, in eternal life. Linda was a friend to every single life she touched and will be remembered for her kind heart and loving touch. She will truly be missed by all family and friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at C. RICHARD MCCAULEY FUNERAL HOME INC. 101 S. 4th St., Youngwood. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at Holy Cross Parish, 711 Depot St., Youngwood. Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church in Youngwood. To send flowers or for online condolences, visit Mccauleyfuneralhomes.com.
