Linda M. Stearns – 62 – of 14 Brush St., Arkport, died early Wednesday morning (February 16, 2022) at her home, following a long illness.
Born in Tonawanda, NY on April 11, 1959, she was the daughter of Peter & Evelyn (Derner) Dragich.
Linda grew up in the Buffalo, NY area and was a graduate of Kenmore East High School (class of 1977). While living in the Buffalo area, she had been employed as Office Manager for SSI Corporation and later for Trident Mechanical Corporation.
She moved to the Arkport area in 2010 and had been employed at Cy’s SureFine Grocery in Arkport and also served as a “Price Checker” for Wal-Mart Corporation.
Linda was a member of the Arkport American Legion. She had a deep affection for animals, especially dogs & cats, and throughout the years spent countless hours helping family & friends search for their “runaway” pets that had wandered off.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Evelyn Dragich.
Linda was married on July 4, 2008 to William “Bill” Stearns who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Haggar of Louisville, CO; 4 step-sons, Jeffery (Donna) Stearns of Sorrento, FL, Shawn Stearns of Eustis, FL, James (Sara) Stearns of Eustis, FL and Alex (Jackie) Stearns of Arkport; 3 brothers, Dennis (Gail) Dragich of Bemis Point, NY, Pete Dragich of Lakeview, NY and Mike (Marti) Dragich of Knoxville, TN; 1 granddaughter, Ellen Haggar; several step-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
At Linda’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Linda’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
Linda faced Cancer like she did everything else.She never gave in or gave up.She faced every day bravely and fought every day. Throughout the five years she never lost her sense of humor and made me laugh out loud to our texts back and forth.Her devotion to helping all animals in need and loving her own was her passion.I will miss Linda’s very strong energy.
My caring and loving thoughts to her husband Bill and to all her family and friends.Linda,your spirit will remain in the universe forever.You will be missed.
Linda and I knew each other for many years and shared many fun times together. During one of those days we were talking about all we had to do and Linda popped up and stated “Guess I will need to put on my big girl panties”. Always fun and funny. I was priveledged to be at her wedding to Bill. She loved him dearly. We kept in text mainly by text after she moved to Arkport and let me know how she was doing. She was such a trooper not complaining. She used her energy to help get pets back to their owners when lost. She was devoted to her own pets too. I will miss her greatly and say prayers for you Bill and family during this difficult time. I am sure she already has her wings and is flying around making sure all animals are safe. Love to you my friend. Linda Storz